Sedatives & Hypnotics
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Street names: Neurontin, Gabbies, Johnnies, Gapentin
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Calm, sedation at high doses; nerve-pain relief at prescribed doses
- Recreational doses (1–3 g+) produce a floaty opioid-ish calm
⚠Key risks
- THE pregabalin shadow: same class, same misuse — present in a large share of opioid-overdose toxicologies
- Mixing with opioids multiplies respiratory depression — this combination kills
- Dependence and a nasty withdrawal (anxiety, insomnia, nausea)
- Diverted heavily in prisons and opioid-using communities
✚Overdose signs
- Extreme sedation
- Slurred speech, ataxia
- Respiratory depression (especially with opioids)
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabapentin (Neurontin) | Not federally scheduled US | THE pregabalin shadow: same class, same misuse — present in a large share of opioid-overdose toxicologies; Mixing with opioids multiplies respiratory depression — this combination kills | ~$0.50–$2 per 800 mg capsule grey-market |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Gabapentin (Neurontin) look like?
100–800 mg capsules/tablets
What are the signs of a Gabapentin (Neurontin) overdose?
Extreme sedation; Slurred speech, ataxia; Respiratory depression (especially with opioids) Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
THE pregabalin shadow: same class, same misuse — present in a large share of opioid-overdose toxicologies Dependence can develop with regular use.