Michigan Removed Gabapentin From Controlled Substance List

The state decision to deschedule the medication in May 2024 led to increased dispensing among Michigan Medicaid patients.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stylized pharmaceutical capsule, representing regulatory policy changes in Michigan's healthcare landscape. — Michigan's decision to remove gabapentin from its controlled substance schedule in May 2024 has led to increased dispensing rates among state Medicaid patients. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In May 2024, Michigan removed gabapentin from its state-level controlled substance schedule to better align with federal and neighboring state policies. Researchers found that this change was associated with an increase in prescriptions among Michigan Medicaid enrollees.

Why it matters

Changes to scheduling status can significantly alter how frequently the medication is dispensed and how easily patients can access it. Understanding these patterns is essential for clinicians evaluating the balance between medication access and the risks of misuse.

A retrospective analysis of Michigan Medicaid data covering 2023 through 2025 found that removing gabapentin from the controlled substance schedule led to a rise of 4.00 prescriptions per 1,000 enrollees. The study utilized pregabalin as an internal negative control.

The players

Michigan Medicaid

The state-administered program providing health coverage for low-income residents in Michigan.

FDA

The federal agency responsible for overseeing public health, including the safety warnings for gabapentinoids.

The details

Gabapentin was originally scheduled in 2019 by Michigan to address concerns over potential misuse, but state officials opted to remove this classification to standardize regulations with broader U.S. policies. While the drug is used for various health conditions, it has been detected in 9.7% of drug overdose deaths. Additionally, the FDA has previously issued warnings regarding the risk of respiratory depression when gabapentinoids are taken alongside opioids.

2019: Michigan enacted gabapentin controlled substance scheduling.
2023-2025: Study period for Michigan Medicaid gabapentin dispensing.
May 2024: Michigan descheduled gabapentin.

Health Landscape

This policy change reflects a broader effort to align state oversight with the federal government, which has not classified gabapentin as a controlled substance. It marks a shift from 2016-2024, when eight other states moved to implement schedule V classifications for the drug.

If you are prescribed gabapentin, it is worth discussing with your doctor how this medication fits into your overall treatment plan and any risks of interaction with other substances. Patients should be especially mindful of using these medications alongside other prescriptions that impact respiratory function.

The takeaway

The rescheduling of a medication can lead to measurable shifts in how often it is prescribed in a community. Patients should stay informed about their medications and always report all current prescriptions to their physician to ensure safe and coordinated care.