Neurontin for Neuropathy Pain-Helpful or Hoax?

Neurontin is the number one prescribed medication for peripheral neuropathy-yet it is shrouded in controversy. How did this drug which was not even developed for neuropathy pain, become so popular for treating this condition? Neurontin’s primary use according to the FDA, is for treating seizures and is classified as an anticonvulsant medication. Many people in the medical field, including myself, believe that Neurontin’s popularity stems from the fact that there is simply not much out there in the way of medication for treating neuropathy. Quite frankly it is hard to develop a drug for a condition that that has opposite symptoms of both pain and numbness.

The actual mechanism of how Neurontin works is not known. It is postulated that the drug may have the ability to block pain receptors. Based on this fact, Neurontin gradually worked its way in to the medical community as means of treating neuropathy.

Does it actually work to relieve-what is called neuropathic pain?

the verdict is not out. Independent studies and patient questionnaires on the effectiveness of the drug consistently reveal that although it can help in some instances, it is often reported that in many cases it simply does not help to relieve neuropathy pain-and as important there are many side effects associated with Neurontin. Probably the most common side effect is fatigue and drowsiness. As one patient who participated in a survey stated “Neurontin made me feel like a zombie-it might have helped but I felt too drugged to really know.”

So what to do?

If you are presently talking Neurontin, do not stop without consulting for physician. A sudden reduction in dosage could cause seizures-so the dosage should be tapered gradually. If you are contemplating using Neurontin, I suggest that you read more about the drug and discuss it thoroughly with your doctor. There are safer alternatives which you might try first. For example, alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant, used in the US and Europe an effective treatment for neuropathy. Vitamin B complex, including Vitamin B 12 folic acid, and acetyl-l carnitine are other vitamins and supplements that may help relieve symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.