Determining the precise "street price" of gabapentin is challenging due to its wide availability as a prescription medication and the illicit market's inherent variability. Prices on the street can fluctuate based on location, quantity, and the source of the drug.
Why Might Gabapentin Be Sold Illicitly?
Gabapentin is a prescription medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain [1]. However, it has also been diverted for non-medical use, often sought for its sedative effects or to potentiate the effects of other drugs [2]. This diversion contributes to its presence in informal markets.
How Does Gabapentin Differ From Other Pain Medications?
Gabapentin is not an opioid and works differently than opioid pain relievers. It is thought to affect the chemicals in the body that send signals to the brain that cause pain symptoms [1]. This distinction is important because it places gabapentin in a different class of drugs than many controlled substances commonly associated with higher street prices due to opioid addiction and the opioid crisis.
What Are the Risks of Using Gabapentin Without a Prescription?
Using gabapentin without a prescription carries significant risks. These include the potential for dependence, withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, and adverse effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and coordination problems [1]. Illicitly obtained gabapentin may also be of unknown purity or dosage, increasing the risk of overdose or adverse reactions.
When Does Gabapentin Patent Exclusivity Expire?
Gabapentin, originally marketed as Neurontin, has been off-patent for a considerable time. The patents for the original formulation and its primary uses expired many years ago, allowing for the widespread availability of generic versions [3]. Information on specific patent expirations for the drug can be found through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [3].
What Are the Generic Gabapentin Prices?
Because gabapentin is available as a generic medication, its price is significantly lower than brand-name drugs. Generic gabapentin is widely available through legitimate pharmacies at affordable prices with a prescription. The cost can vary depending on the pharmacy, insurance coverage, and whether a prescription discount card is used.
Are There Alternatives to Gabapentin for Pain?
Yes, there are several alternative treatments for neuropathic pain, depending on the specific cause and patient. These can include other classes of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications [1].
Sources:
1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Gabapentin. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/common-prescription-drugs/gabapentin
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Gabapentin. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/gabapentin
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Gabapentin Patents. Retrieved from https://drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/gabapentin