Drug Used for Pain Relief and Seizures in Pets May Be Harder to Get

Starting March 1, 2025, a new North Carolina state law will require veterinarians to report Gabapentin prescriptions to prevent potential drug abuse and black market distribution. Gabapentin, commonly used for pain and seizures in both pets and humans, has increasingly been misused alongside opioids, prompting stricter monitoring.

Under the law, veterinarians must report prescriptions exceeding 48 hours to a state database, similar to opioid tracking. Some veterinary clinics, like Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital, will stop prescribing Gabapentin to avoid compliance burdens, offering alternative options instead. Others, however, see reporting as a minor inconvenience and will continue prescribing the medication.
Pet owners filling liquid Gabapentin should use compounding pharmacies, as human versions may contain harmful ingredients. Veterinarians will now collect clients’ birthdates for tracking purposes. The goal of the law is to prevent abuse while ensuring safe and effective treatment for pets.