Neurontin (Gabapentin) used for Chronic Back Pain
For chronic back pain, Neurontin (Gabapentin) will work for most people.
Neurontin is not excreted through the liver like most things, by excreted through the kidneys. It has been used for treatment of partial seizures in patients from the ages 3-12.
In the 1990’s, Neurontin was approved for sale as treatment for epileptic seizures. When used with another drug for pain from shingles, the FDA has approved it to treat epilepsy. Eache day, you would need to take 3 doses.
The nice part about this medicine is it is easy to use as an add on, due to the fact that it does not interact with other seizure medicines. Gabapentin is indicated for the management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults. It has not been approved to treat severe RLS ( restless leg syndrome) where the legs inadvertently jerk.
Neurontin is expensive for the treatment of chronic pain. This is one of the best selling drugs. The average cost is approximately $400 a month for 3200mg a day. The effects are very good even though it is an expensive drug to treat pain.
Neurontin is found in breast milk. It is the first oral medication approved by the FDA for this indication. It was prescribed for the medical condition epilepsy, but the medicine has been used for a bunch of off label uses. It has few if any side effects, which is one of its big selling points.
Neurontin is not metabolized by the body. It does not produce any active or inactive metabolites. You can take it orally with or without food. Neurontin is not for pain management. For chronic back pain, it is good for the nerve damage.
Pfizer is the manufacturer and this is its best selling drug. It is popular too. It is one of the 50 most prescribed medicines in the United States in 2003.
Neurontin is often better tolerated than some other drugs, so that it is often tried first. Neurontin is very well tolerated when used with most patients. Neurontin for chronic back pain has relatively mild side effects profile. It also passes through the body unmetabolized.
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May 14 2008 03:48 am | Alternative Medicine