Gabapentin (Neurontin) Treatment for Pain
Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:55Epileptic seizures are sometimes treated by anticonvulsants, a diverse category of pharmaceuticals, also known as antiepileptic drugs or AEDs. Since they can also act to stabilize moods, it has become increasingly popular to treat bipolar disorder with these drugs.
Gabapentin and Pregabalin can be used for migraines and neuropathy, as well as for other types of pain, as they are anticonvulsants. These drugs, although they work by different modes of action, are good for sleeping problems, anxiety, and depression.
Gabapentin has also been effective to treat fatigue, flu and flu-like symptoms, cognitive disorders, neurological problems, irritable bowel and bladder issues, restless leg syndrome, muscle stiffness, and multiple chemical sensitivity. Because they are able to attack many symptoms at once, they are now one of the most important drugs used to treat CFS/ME.
The side effects of different anticonvulsants vary by their method of action, as well as by the reaction of each individual taking them. Some of the older drugs may cause bad reactions or problems related to the liver. On the flip side, the newer ones tend to sedate the users.
Side effects include vision problems, being dizzy, and headaches. Weight loss, especially with the use of topiramate, vigabatrin and zonisamide, or weight gain, may be a side effect of anticonvulsants.
CFS/ME and fibromyalgia are often treated with Gabapentin (Neurontin) prescription drugs. It can be used to ease the symptoms of a wide variety of problems from hot flashes to interstitial cystitis. These may be utilized for anxiety or mood disorders. It is also a widely-used treatment for pain, especially pain associated with burns or electric shock-like neuropathy.