Is Gabapentin legal in Brazil?
- Legal status
- Gabapentin (gabapentina) is a special-control prescription medicine, not a narcotic or psychotropic: it is on Lista C1 (other substances subject to special control) of Portaria SVS/MS 344/1998 and is ANVISA-registered. This is a special-control prescription tier below the narcotic/psychotropic lists, not a trafficking-grade controlled drug.
- Consequences if caught
- Diversion or unauthorised supply of a Lista C1 medicine is a health-regulation and controlled-medicines offence; it does not carry the narcotics-trafficking penalties reserved for the psychotropic/narcotic lists.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed for epilepsy and neuropathic pain and dispensed only against a two-copy Receita de Controle Especial (valid 30 days, up to a 6-month supply for anticonvulsants).
- Documentation
- Gabapentina (Neurontin and generics) is ANVISA-registered and appears on the Lista C1 of substances subject to special control; carried lawfully with the special-control prescription.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Brazil’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
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If you’re detained or arrested abroad
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