These two painkillers are to be reclassified as class C controlled substances amid concerns people are becoming addicted to them and misusing them, according to BBC News:
bbc.co.uk/news/health-45810868
It means it will now be illegal to posses the drugs without a prescription and it will be illegal to supply or sell them to others, and that doctors will now need to physically sign prescriptions, rather than electronic copies being accepted by pharmacists.
I have been on gabapentin for quite a while and boots make u aware their a controlled drug won't let family collect it unless they sign for it and are over 18 amy
It was only a matter of time. Those that will be inconvenienced are those for whom it works, but it's not a huge inconvenience, it'll be no different to what I have to do for Butec/Butrans patches. I must inform the pharmacy who dispense my meds that the prescription is ready to collect from my GP's & I then pick the patches up with the rest of my meds I've requested. I'll just have to include pregabablin. At least the Home Office have decided it's disproportionate to expect pharmacies to store both meds in safes, as with tramadol, that isn't either. If other brands are packaged the same as the one I take the boxes are so big there'd be precious little space for any other controlled drugs, such as Butec/Butrans.
I thought that was the case anyway,xxxx
Gabapentin is an anti epileptic drug and not very nice, I take 200mg X 3 daily, not high but side effects for me is depression. Was just a matter of time before prescription only. How anyone can get addicted this drug is beyond me.
All I can say is if people reckon gabapentin is a highly prized drug with a street value they must be easily pleased!
Embriony3 My thoughts exactly. Who would abuse these horrible drugs?
I know it seems nuts to us, but there's a thriving black market for all kinds of prescription drugs - Tramadol etc too
Reluctant to take Gabapentin
Covid alert ! 
Gabapentin reduction 
pregabalin for peripheral neuropathy
Rant alert! Sorry...
