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Gabapentin for Nerve Pain- Pain-Relieving Effects of Gabapentin, Normal Dosage, and Necessary Precautions

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The drug Gabapentin helps relieve nerve pain related to neuropathies and shingles. Optimizing dosage over time duly improves the long-term burden of nerve pain.

Written by

Dr. Jayasree S

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Prakashkumar P Bhatt

Published At December 8, 2022
Reviewed AtMarch 26, 2024

Introduction:

Gabapentin is originally used as an antiseizure drug and other medications in that same category. It is also used for treating depression disorders and more. Alternative use of Gabapentin is in relieving nerve pain. It is normally prescribed when the pain is not under control with other routine pain medicines. Doctors dealing with neurological and musculoskeletal problems widely use Gabapentin. It is not going to cure the underlying cause of nerve pain, but it helps in relieving the symptoms.

How Does Gabapentin Work to Relieve Nerve Pain?

Pain is perceived in the brain when the nerves communicate this sensation as electrical signals and chemicals known as neurotransmitters. As the nerves fire up, sending electrical impulses to induce pain sensation, Gabapentin can calm them down. This means that Gabapentin will prevent the production of these electrical impulses so that the pain is felt less frequently and less intensely. Also, it directly affects the nerve cells that are concerned with the perception of pain (pain receptors) and helps reduce pain sensation. One should remember that the pain will return upon stopping the Gabapentin doses.

What Are the Types of Pains One Can Treat With Gabapentin?

In general, Gabapentin may alleviate nerve pains and improve the quality of life. It comes in handy for alleviating pain in the following situations:

  • For relieving inflammatory postherpetic neuralgia, which is the pain from shingles.

  • In nerve compressions, especially if correcting whatever is pinching the nerve takes a long time.

  • One may take Gabapentin if the course of treatments is longer. If the rehabilitation process involves exercises that may be painful.

  • When somebody does not opt for a surgical cure to correct the underlying cause of nerve pain or if one cannot undergo surgery due to other reasons like old age or medical conditions.

  • In treating diabetic neuropathy.

  • To cure long-term pain after surgical procedures, which may be due to nerve damage at the procedure's time. For instance, in open-heart surgery. One may start taking the drug before surgery for good results.

  • Also, for treating sciatica (lower body and back pain due to nerve compression), fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (long-term pain after injuries), or phantom limb pain (imaginary pain one may feel in the area of a missing limb after it is removed).

How Soon Can Gabapentin Start Relieving the Pain?

Most people start to see good results within two weeks after starting the drug. For some, it may take longer. It takes a while for the doctor to decide on what dose is optimum for pain relief, as it varies from person to person. Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe an additional pain medicine along with Gabapentin for the best results.

How Can One Determine the Optimal Gabapentin Dosage for Nerve pain?

The optimal dose of Gabapentin is determined by gradually increasing doses over time. Here is an example:

For treating nerve pain, one may recommend three doses of Gabapentin in a day divided into morning, afternoon, and evening doses. One may start with a low dose of 100 mg at night. Slowly increase the dose by adding another 100 mg at noon. And add another 100 mg in the morning gradually. This may be increased after two weeks to 600 mg per day divided into three doses of 200 mg. With incremental increases like this, one may reach the targeted dose optimum to relieve the pain symptoms.

The next step is to maintain the dose at this level and evaluate the pain symptoms. The goal is to understand whether this dose is adequate in relieving the pain. If the side effects are tolerable and do not harm the individual in any manner, one may increase the dose up to 2700 mg a day or a maximum of 3600 mg for better pain control. 3600 mg is counted as the highest possible dose one can take in a day, but usually, it is kept at 2700 mg.

A dosage of 1200 mg daily was found effective for moderate to severe neuropathic pain after shingles or from diabetes. Optimally, the daily dose of Gabapentin should not go too high or too low. Also, if one chooses to stop the drug, a medium to a high dose of Gabapentin requires gradual tapering of doses rather than abruptly stopping it. As it is also used in individuals suffering from seizures, stopping the drug suddenly may have unwanted side effects on the body. Another important matter to consider is the presence of kidney diseases. One should also take the negative effects into account when Gabapentin is taken along with other drugs.

What Are the Important Precautions to Be Practiced With Gabapentin Intake?

The side effects of Gabapentin are dose-dependent. The higher the doses, the higher the side effects. Overdosing on Gabapentin to dangerously high levels may stop the breathing process, and one may die. One should be keen on the following details while taking Gabapentin:

  1. It might make an individual sleepy, dizzy, or confused. So, it is always better to start the medicine at night. Especially for the elderly, this tends to avoid the risks of falls when they move around at night to use the bathroom and such.

  2. One should be mindful that it causes mood alterations sometimes, for the better and sometimes for the worse. Also, Gabapentin might affect memory. For instance, one may have trouble finding the right words while talking.

  3. One may take additional pain-relieving medicines like Paracetamol that belong to the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But taking a sedative type of pain medication like Tramadol should be strictly avoided.

  4. Taking Gabapentin in the daytime may cause dizziness and issues with body balance. Doctors recommend avoiding activities like driving or operating heavy machinery until the doses are stabilized. Also, one may cut down on alcohol consumption.

Conclusion:

It is important to start Gabapentin intake with lower doses and gradually increase the dose with a doctor's help. And one should check with the doctor if the medicine is safe and appropriate for them. Remember that Gabapentin does not treat the primary cause of nerve pain. One should seek medical help to explore the cause and do the needful to correct it. But if the pain is getting in the way of performing the day-to-day activities, or the exercises necessary for better healing, Gabapentin can be a good choice of medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Rapidly Does Gabapentin Alleviate Nerve Pain?

Gabapentin can alleviate nerve pain within a few hours to a few days of starting treatment, depending on the severity of the pain and the individual's response to the medication. It is important to note that gabapentin does not work for everyone, and the effectiveness may vary from person to person. The dosage and duration of treatment may also affect how quickly gabapentin works for nerve pain.

2.

What Types of Nerve Pain Can Gabapentin Treat?

Gabapentin is primarily used to treat neuropathic pain caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. This includes diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injuries. It is used for various types of nerve pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia or nerve pain associated with fibromyalgia, although its effectiveness for these conditions still needs to be established.

3.

What Is the Required Dosage of Gabapentin for Nerve Pain?

The dosage of gabapentin required for nerve pain may vary depending on the individual's pain level, age, weight, and other health conditions. Typically, the starting dose is 300 mg per day, which can be gradually increased to 3600 mg per day in divided doses.

4.

Does Gabapentin Promote Nerve Healing?

Gabapentin does not promote nerve healing, but it can relieve those experiencing nerve pain. It works by reducing the abnormal activity of nerve cells that contribute to pain signals. However, gabapentin may not address the underlying cause of the nerve damage or dysfunction causing the pain. Treating the cause is essential for relieving nerve pain.

5.

What Are the Things to Avoid While Taking Gabapentin?

While taking gabapentin, a person should avoid drinking alcohol, operating heavy machinery, and engaging in activities that require alertness and coordination, as gabapentin can cause drowsiness and dizziness. It is also essential to avoid sudden medication discontinuation, which can cause withdrawal symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider for a complete list of things to avoid while taking gabapentin.

6.

What Are the Risks Associated With Using Gabapentin?

Gabapentin can carry certain risks, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of coordination. In some cases, gabapentin may cause more severe side effects, such as mood changes, swelling, and breathing difficulties. It may also interact with other medications or medical conditions. The benefits and risks of gabapentin should be discussed with a doctor before starting treatment.

7.

Does Gabapentin Address the Root Cause of Nerve Pain or Only Alleviate Its Symptoms?

Gabapentin is primarily used to alleviate nerve pain symptoms rather than address the underlying cause of the pain. While it can help reduce abnormal activities of nerve cells that contribute to pain signals, it does not heal or repair damaged nerves. Treating the underlying condition causing nerve pain may be necessary for some individuals to achieve long-term relief.

8.

What Is the Maximum Duration That a Person Can Take Gabapentin?

The duration of treatment with gabapentin can vary depending on the individual's condition and response to the medication. In some cases, treatment may be short-term to alleviate acute pain, while in other cases, it may be long-term for chronic pain management. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate duration of treatment based on the individual's needs and response to the medication.

9.

Does Gabapentin Repair Nerve Damage or Provide Temporary Relief from Pain?

Gabapentin does not promote nerve healing, but it can help reduce nerve cells' abnormal activity that contributes to pain signals. Therefore, it primarily masks nerve pain rather than healing it. In some cases, treating the underlying condition causing nerve pain may be necessary to achieve long-term relief. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for nerve pain.

10.

Can Gabapentin Be Taken Once Daily to Manage Nerve Pain?

Gabapentin is usually taken multiple times daily to achieve optimal nerve pain effectiveness. However, depending on the individual's condition and the prescribed dosage, it may be possible to take gabapentin once a day. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for taking gabapentin and to consult with them before making any changes to the medication regimen.

11.

What Are the Effects of Gabapentin on the Body and Mind?

Gabapentin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty with coordination, which can affect an individual's ability to perform tasks that require alertness and coordination. Additionally, it may cause mood changes, such as anxiety or depression. However, not everyone experiences these side effects; some individuals may experience positive effects such as improved sleep and reduced pain. It is essential to share any concerns with a doctor.

12.

Does Gabapentin Have Sedative Properties?

One of the common side effects of gabapentin is drowsiness or sedation, which may cause an individual to feel sleepy. But only some experience this side effect, and the degree of sleepiness can vary depending on the individual and the medication dosage. It is essential to avoid activities that require alertness and coordination while taking gabapentin and to consult with a healthcare provider if the drowsiness becomes severe or interferes with daily activities.

13.

At What Point Is Gabapentin Most Effective?

The peak time for gabapentin varies depending on the individual and the medication dosage. Generally, it takes about 2 to 3 hours for gabapentin to reach peak levels in the blood after administration. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for taking gabapentin and taking the medication simultaneously each day to maintain consistent levels in the blood.

14.

Is Gabapentin a Potent Pain Reliever?

Gabapentin is not a strong painkiller in comparison to opioid medications. It is an anticonvulsant medication that is primarily used for the treatment of nerve pain. While it may help alleviate pain for some individuals, it is not effective for all types of pain, and the level of pain relief depends on the person and the drug dose.

15.

Is Gabapentin Considered an Anti-inflammatory Drug or a Painkiller?

Gabapentin is not an anti-inflammatory medication. It is an anticonvulsant medication that is primarily used for the treatment of nerve pain. It works by reducing the abnormal activity of nerve cells that contribute to pain signals. While it may help alleviate pain for some individuals, it is ineffective for all types of pain, and the extent of pain relief varies with the individual and the dose taken.

16.

Why Do Doctors Prescribe Gabapentin for Pain Management?

Doctors prescribe gabapentin for pain because it is effective for certain nerve pain types, such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. It is also sometimes used off-label for other types of pain, such as migraines and chronic pain. However, it is essential to note that gabapentin is not effective for all types of pain, and the level of pain relief depends on the individual and the drug dose.

17.

Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain?

Gabapentin is not known to cause weight gain as a common side effect. However, some individuals may experience changes in appetite or weight due to taking the medication. For a person, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly when taking gabapentin to manage any changes in appetite or weight. If weight gain becomes a concern, discussing it with a healthcare provider is essential.
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Dr. Prakashkumar P Bhatt
Dr. Prakashkumar P Bhatt

Neurology

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