Gabapentin grew to 64 million prescriptions in the United States in 2016 from 39 million prescriptions in 2012,12 making it the 10th most prescribed medication that year. Gabapentin has been widely recognized as a drug related to opioid abuse in West Virginia.14 Studies have shown that gabapentin in toxicology reports constituted a considerable number of drug overdose deaths around the country, with West Virginia among the highest. The significant increase in gabapentin dispenses is thought to have been the result of efforts to reduce the abuse of Schedule II drugs, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone.
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/gabapentin-presents-high-potential-for-misuse