Will Neurontin Show Up on a 12 Panel Drug Test?

Neurontin is a popular brand name for Gabapentin. It is a prescription medicine used alone or with other medications to prevent and control partial seizures in adults and children at least 12 years old. But the question is – will Neurontin show up on a 12 panel drug test?

Read on and find out.

Will Neurontin Show Up on a 12 Panel Drug Test?

Before we answer the question, “Will Neurontin show up on a 12 panel drug test,” we believe that providing you with some details about this substance is necessary.

Below is a brief discussion of what Neurontin is, its uses, side effects, and other information.

Uses of Neurontin

Aside from being used as an anticonvulsant drug, Neurontin acts as a pain-killer. Doctors prescribe it for adult patients with shingles. It’s a painful condition that affects the nerve fibers and skin. Additionally, Neurontin changes the way the body senses nerve pain.

Neurontin also helps relieve diabetic neuropathy.  Moreover, it prevents hot flashes in women treated for breast cancer or those who experience menopause. As an anxiolytic, however, Neurontin helps reduce anxiety by producing feelings of relaxation and calmness.

Other Uses

Doctors may also prescribe Neurontin to patients as an alternative to the medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. On the other hand, some alcoholics receive it as a way of reducing their withdrawal symptoms.

In 2019, it ranked as the eleventh most commonly prescribed medication in the US. Total prescriptions given for Neurontin reached 44,154,514.

How Long Does Gabapentin Last in Your System?

Neurontin, as mentioned above, is a gabapentin. In most people, gabapentin will stay for about seven hours. If you’re wondering does Neurontin show up in drug tests. It can, a drug test can detect it within that time frame.

However, you should also consider the type of gabapentin used.  If it’s the extended release type, then it will stay longer in the body.

Side Effects

Just like other medicines, Neurontin has side effects that include the following:

• drowsiness, dizziness, headache
  
• tiredness or weakness
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body
•  double or blurred vision, unwanted eye movements, red itchy eyes
  
•  unsteadiness
•  anxiety
• memory problems
• nausea, vomiting, heartburn

•  diarrhea or constipation
  
•  dry mouth
• increased appetite, weight gain
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
•  back or joint pain
• fever
• runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
•  ear pain
  

Adverse side effects

 If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

• rashes
• itching
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
•  seizures
•  difficulty breathing; bluish-tinged skin, lips, or fingernails; confusion; or extreme sleepiness

Overdose and Addiction 

Neurontin has low abuse potential. However, its ability to be used in conjunction with other drugs causes widespread harm and addiction.

In addition, those who abuse it report a sense of calm and euphoria that is similar to marijuana.

Increasing reports of abuse of this drug prompted the FDA to issue a public warning about the severe consequences of its co-use. This includes respiratory depression and increased risk of opioid overdose death.

Signs of its overdose include:

• ataxia (decreased muscle coordination)
•  diarrhea
• drooping eyelid
• drowsiness and lethargy
• double vision
• excitation
•  Hypoactivity
• labored breathing
•  marked sedation
• slurred speech
•  internal hallucinations
• Visual disconnection

To What Drug Schedule Does it Belong?

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is not currently considered a federally controlled substance in the United States. However, it is classified as Schedule V Controlled Substances in:

• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Tennessee

Additionally, other states have added mandates to report Gabapentin prescriptions through their state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). These are:

• Minnesota
• Ohio
• Virginia
• Wyoming
• West Virginia
• Massachusetts
• North Dakota
• Nebraska
• New Jersey

New York has proposed a similar legislation, creating a Schedule VI class for such controlled substances.

Why Isn’t Gabapentin a Controlled Substance?

Controlled substances are often classified at different levels or “schedules” under federal and state statutes. However, different states have the option to change their laws if they have concerns about the drug being misused.

Earlier in this article, we mentioned that Gabapentin is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the US. It works well as an anticonvulsant, pain medication, and sedative.

When taken alone and as prescribed, its potential for abuse or addiction is minimal. However, when taken with other medications, such as muscle relaxants, opioids, or anxiety medications, abuse may arise.

A study reveals that 22 percent of opioid-dependent individuals had a Gabapentin prescription. On the other hand, 40 percent of those who had a Gabapentin prescription reported using it more than prescribed.

This scenario brings us to the question, “Will Neurontin show up on a 12 panel drug test?”

Will Neurontin Show Up on a 12 Panel Drug Test?

The 12 Panel Drug Test only detects specific drug metabolites from illicit substances such as:

• cocaine
• marijuana
• PCP
• amphetamines
• opiates
• benzodiazepines
• barbiturates
• methadone
• propoxyphene
• Quaaludes
• Ecstasy/MDA
• Oxycodone/Percoset

Gabapentin is not a scheduled drug. Therefore, a standard 12 panel drug test will not be able to detect it.

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