How effective is gabapentin for various conditions. What are the most common side effects of gabapentin. How do patients rate their satisfaction with gabapentin treatment. What precautions should be taken when using gabapentin.

Understanding Gabapentin: Uses and Mechanism of Action

Gabapentin, also known by its brand name Neurontin, is a medication primarily used to treat various forms of nerve pain and epilepsy. It belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants or antiepileptics. The drug works by altering the way nerves send messages to the brain, effectively reducing pain signals and seizure activity.

Common Uses of Gabapentin

• Neuropathic pain (including diabetic neuropathy)
• Epilepsy and seizure disorders
• Postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles)
• Restless leg syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Anxiety disorders (off-label use)
• Insomnia (off-label use)

While gabapentin is primarily prescribed for nerve pain and epilepsy, its use has expanded to include various off-label applications. This versatility has made it a popular choice among healthcare providers for managing a range of conditions.

Effectiveness of Gabapentin: Patient Experiences and Clinical Studies

The effectiveness of gabapentin varies depending on the condition being treated and individual patient factors. Many patients report significant improvements in their symptoms, particularly those suffering from neuropathic pain.

One patient shared their experience: “I’ve been on it for over 10 years to treat diabetic neuropathy in my feet, which used to be so bad I would literally cry. For me, it has been nothing short of a miracle drug.” This sentiment is echoed by many patients who have found relief from chronic pain conditions.

Clinical studies have shown gabapentin to be effective in reducing pain intensity and improving sleep quality in patients with neuropathic pain. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pain Research found that gabapentin significantly reduced pain scores compared to placebo in patients with postherpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.

Effectiveness for Different Conditions

• Neuropathic pain: High effectiveness reported by patients and supported by clinical trials
• Epilepsy: Moderate to high effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency
• Anxiety: Mixed results, with some patients reporting significant improvement
• Insomnia: Variable effectiveness, may help some patients but not universally effective

Side Effects and Tolerability of Gabapentin

While many patients benefit from gabapentin, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. The severity and occurrence of side effects can vary widely among individuals.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Peripheral edema (swelling in extremities)
• Difficulty concentrating or mental fog

One patient reported: “Trouble side effects very dizzy nausea depression will never take again. This was all with 1 dose of 300 mgs.” This experience highlights the importance of starting with a low dose and monitoring for adverse reactions.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

• Mood changes or suicidal thoughts
• Allergic reactions
• Changes in blood cell counts
• Liver function abnormalities

It’s crucial for patients to report any unusual or severe side effects to their healthcare provider promptly. In some cases, adjusting the dosage or discontinuing the medication may be necessary.

Dosage and Administration: Finding the Right Balance

The dosage of gabapentin can vary significantly depending on the condition being treated and individual patient factors. Typically, doctors start with a low dose and gradually increase it to find the optimal balance between effectiveness and tolerability.

Common Dosage Ranges

• Neuropathic pain: 300-3600 mg per day, divided into three doses
• Epilepsy: 900-3600 mg per day, divided into three doses
• Restless leg syndrome: 300-900 mg taken once daily in the evening

One patient shared their experience with dosage: “I take 100mg 2x a day & now I have little to no headaches. I’ve also noticed it has helped my mood and my anxiety!” This illustrates that even lower doses can be effective for some patients.

It’s important to note that abruptly stopping gabapentin can lead to withdrawal symptoms or increased seizure activity in epileptic patients. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your dosage regimen.

Long-term Use and Potential Concerns

While gabapentin is generally considered safe for long-term use, some concerns have been raised about its potential for dependence and abuse. Additionally, long-term use may lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to maintain the same level of effectiveness.

Potential Long-term Effects

• Cognitive impairment
• Memory problems
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Increased risk of respiratory depression when combined with opioids

One patient reported concerns about long-term use: “I am, almost, tempted, to take all the hair: put the hair in a damn jar, and bring it to my next doctor’s appointment.” This comment highlights the importance of ongoing communication with healthcare providers about any persistent side effects or concerns.

Regular follow-ups and monitoring are essential for patients on long-term gabapentin therapy to ensure continued effectiveness and minimize potential risks.

Gabapentin vs. Alternative Treatments: Comparing Options

While gabapentin has proven effective for many patients, it’s not the only option available for treating neuropathic pain and seizures. Understanding how it compares to alternative treatments can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions.

Alternatives for Neuropathic Pain

• Pregabalin (Lyrica): Similar mechanism to gabapentin, may be more potent
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Effective for some types of neuropathic pain
• SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine): Can help with pain and mood disorders
• Topical treatments: Lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream for localized pain

Alternatives for Epilepsy

• Carbamazepine: Commonly used for partial seizures
• Valproic acid: Effective for various types of seizures
• Levetiracetam: Well-tolerated option for many seizure types
• Lamotrigine: Can be used for both partial and generalized seizures

When comparing gabapentin to alternatives, factors such as individual patient characteristics, potential drug interactions, and side effect profiles should be considered. Some patients may find that a combination of treatments works best for managing their symptoms.

Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Improvements

Patient satisfaction with gabapentin treatment varies widely, with many reporting significant improvements in their quality of life, while others experience intolerable side effects or limited benefits.

One patient expressed high satisfaction: “Dr. Started me on gabapentin for shoulder nerve pain many years ago. helped a bit. But it is a TRUE MIRACLE drug for root canal surgery. Completely stopped the root canal pain in its tracks, and kept it away. Never felt another twinge.”

However, another patient had a different experience: “Gabapentin also made me feel high, especially during first week of taking it, immediately had concerns of possible addictive qualities. Side effects also untolerable – brain fog and slower thinking processes, sleepiness, and worst of all became emotional zombie.”

Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction

• Effectiveness in managing symptoms
• Tolerability of side effects
• Impact on daily activities and functionality
• Ease of use and dosing schedule
• Cost and insurance coverage

For many patients, the benefits of gabapentin in managing their symptoms outweigh the potential side effects. However, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to work closely with patients to find the right balance and consider alternative options if gabapentin proves unsatisfactory.

Precautions and Considerations Before Starting Gabapentin

Before starting gabapentin treatment, it’s essential for patients and healthcare providers to consider various factors to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Important Considerations

• Medical history, including kidney function and mental health conditions
• Current medications and potential drug interactions
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding status
• History of substance abuse or addiction
• Driving and operating machinery (due to potential drowsiness)

One patient emphasized the importance of thorough consideration: “Please have a very serious conversation with more than one health care provider before taking. I wish I had never heard of [gabapentin].” This highlights the need for patients to be well-informed and proactive in their healthcare decisions.

Healthcare providers should conduct a comprehensive assessment and discuss the potential risks and benefits of gabapentin treatment with each patient. Regular follow-ups and open communication are crucial for monitoring effectiveness and addressing any concerns that may arise during treatment.

In conclusion, gabapentin has proven to be an effective treatment option for many patients suffering from neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and other conditions. However, its effectiveness and tolerability can vary significantly among individuals. By carefully considering the potential benefits and risks, working closely with healthcare providers, and maintaining open communication about symptoms and side effects, patients can make informed decisions about whether gabapentin is the right choice for their specific needs.

Effectiveness, Ease of Use, and Satisfaction

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Most voted positive review

117 People found this comment helpful

I take the generic gabapentin. I’ve been on it for over 10 years to treat diabetic neuropathy in my feet, which used to be so bad I would literally cry. I tried soaking my feet in buckets of ice water, but naturally it had no effect. The burning, stabbing, stinging pain was unbearable, especially at night. My doctor prescribed gabapentin. For me it has been nothing short of a miracle drug. W…

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Most voted negative review

17 People found this comment helpful

I will state this medication works for my pain, but my hair is falling out. Every time I brush my hair, or run my hand through my hair, the hair is falling out in bunches. Not clumps, but you get the drift. I have only been on this nonsense a month and it’s going in the garbage. Had it. I am, almost, tempted, to take all the hair: put the hair in a damn jar, and bring it to my next doctor’s appoin…

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Shared reviews and ratings

SORT BY Condition: Pain Originating From a Nerve

Overall rating 4.7

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

my doctor put me on this medication for chronic headaches.
before hand i would take excedrin extra strength a couple times a day with little relief.
i take 100mg 2x a day & now i have little to no headaches.
i’ve also noticed it has helped my mood and my anxiety!

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Other

Overall rating 3.7

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Three hundred mg. at night for treatment of chronic long term insomnia, combined with reduced dosage of clonazapam.
It helps but not a lot. Its the clonazapam that really works well. Unfortunately its an opiate and doctor is trying to wean me off it. Not sleeping wall at all.

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Neuropathic Pain

Overall rating 1.0

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Trouble side effects very dizzy nausea depression will never take again. This was all with 1 dose of 300 mgs

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Other

Overall rating 5.0

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Dr. Started me on gabapentin for shoulder nerve pain many years ago. helped a bit. But it is a TRUE MIRACLE drug for root canal surgery.
I started taking it in the afternoon of a day when I had a root canal the morning that was really starting to hurt as the anesthesia wore off. ABSOLUTE MIRACLE DRUG! Completely stopped the root canal pain in its tracks, and kept it away. Never felt another twinge. I got off gabapentin when my shoulder problems improved, but every time I go in for oral surgery, I take gabapentin and I never have any post-op pain.
More recently, I started having some neck pain issues, and the neurologist put me on a total of 2400mg / day. seems to be helping. zero side effects. Read More Read Less

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Simple Partial Seizures

Overall rating 2.0

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Firstly, did not seem to help seizures much. Two weeks after starting meds had episode of multiple seizures, one of my worst ever. Gabapentin also made me feel high, especially during first week of taking it, immediately had concerns of possible addictive qualities. Normally I have trouble remembering to take meds, but not this one because was always waiting to take more. Side effects also untolerable – brain fog and slower thinking processes, sleepiness, and worst of all became emotional zombie. I was always in a good mood, and it did wonders for my anxiety, but always the same mood – unable to feel excited about good news or feel sad in appropriate moments (i.e. hearing a close friend had still born baby, no emotional response). This emotional stasis also killed my sex drive and made it impossible to have orgasms. Waited a month to see if side effects would decrease over time, but still terrible. Tapered off as soon as I could consult with doctor.Read More Read Less

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Other

Overall rating 1.3

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I was prescribed Gabapentin for Sciatic nerve pain on 1/27/23. Today is 03/27/23. I will be discontinuing use in 7 days. Please have a very serious conversation with more then one health care provider before taking. I wish I had never heard of this stuff. It did not improve my pain. The combination of it with prednisone, hydrocodone and tramadol has trashed my stomach. I cant sleep, I’m dizzy most of the time. I don’t have anxiety issues, but I’ve had 3 panic attacks since I’ve been on it. It’s the only thing I’ve been on the entire time. I’m having suicidal thoughts. Good luck getting your Doctor or their nurse to listen to you. I was treated like a junkie nutjob. The only side effects that were reviewed with me were dependency and suicidal thoughts, probably only because they were legally required. Read More Read Less

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Pain Originating From a Nerve

Overall rating 5.0

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It is a miracle drug for my foot nerve pain due to lack of blood circulation.

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Neuropathic Pain

Overall rating 1.0

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I suffer from pain in my lower section. Muscles, joins, nerves. Pain is tolerable during the day, but very bad at night. Lack of sleep is killing me. I tried all over the counter NSAIDs with zero benefit. Tylenol and aspirin are also not helping. My doctor put me on Prednisolone, also a waste of time and money. Now he wrote a prescription for this Gabapentin. I’m reading the paperwork that came with it. All I see are potential negative side effects. Worse yet, it says that this medicine may take 6 to 8 weeks to work. Seriously? What about NOW. I can’t postpone my pain for later…
This so called medicine should be taken off the market ASAP. Read More Read Less

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Other

Overall rating 2.3

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I was prescribed Horizant ER (600mg/day) for severe RLS. After three weeks, this drug has not provided any relief whatsoever. Would not recommend.

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Other

Overall rating 3. 7

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Gabepentin worked wonderful for my trigeminal neuralgia. Took 99 percent of the pain away..I was prescribed 300x 3x a day. I couldn’t handle the side effects. Severe weight gain/ water retention , forgetting things. Please don’t cold turkey off this medication.

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Acute Pain Following an Operation

Overall rating 5.0

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My opinion Gabapentin will either work for you or it will not. If it is not the right treatment for you it could make you high if it’s the correct pill it will give you relief There’s no right or wrong for anybody it treats a plethora of medical conditions. For me it worked wonderful I started at 100 mg and 6 mo. later they graduated me to 300. After 2 years in I was moved to a 600 mg three times a day. That worked great. I would occasionally I miss a day I would miss a few doses it didn’t seem to make a difference so I decided to stop. I wanted to do that because I had taken it for a long period, I’ve been okay.
Today 1.5 years later I decided the nerve pain is getting pretty intense again Monday I’ll ask my doctor to restart Gabapentin. Again I will start at 100 and move up to 300 mg after time, that is how it is designed to take, long-term.
Starting at a 300 could defiantly create getting sick.The Best to All!
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1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Other

Overall rating 2.3

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I was put on this medication when I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I was on it for 3 months and it did not help with any of my pain. The only thing Gabapentin helped me with was my RLS (which was nice) but that’s not why I took it. I wanted my pain gone and it didn’t help with any of that. I will say, not everybody reacts to medications the same way, it is different for everyone. With that being said, do not be afraid to take this medication either. I had zero bad side affects and I am someone who usually gets all the side affects possible. Read More Read Less

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Neuropathic Pain

Overall rating 5.0

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I’ve been taking Gabapentin for appx six years. At first it was difficult to tolerate but that’s because the dose was too strong. Once you find the dose that works for you, it really works great on my severe nerve pain. I adjust my dose as needed. I’ve been taking 400mg 3 x day, but have recently been prescribed 600mg. I’m supposed to take it four times a day but three times is enough for now. There was a time a few years ago that I was taking much more and also times that I just take it at night. It’s just the nature of my issue so Gabapentin is easy to change doses as needed. The effect changes with coffee or certain types of food and definitely if you take other meds so be mindful of this. I take it with 5-10mg of baclofen and the two medications together work well. However, if I take them together more than once a day my body can’t handle the combination and it will literally knock me out. You have to know what works for you. I definitely prefer Gabapentin over any opiates as those numb my head and I don’t like that feeling.Read More Read Less

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Other

Overall rating 5. 0

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I used to take 300 mg for sleep at night but then my doctor prescribed 100 to take during the day for anxiety. This was too much for me and I got depressed. I’ve been off of it for a while, and I was having an anxiety attack today. I took it (100 mg), and within minutes I was feeling better. If it causes depression, then I’m gonna have to deal with that, but I love what it did for my anxiety.

1

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Neuropathic Pain

Overall rating 3.3

EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

Gabapentin only works on my nerves in my feet. My fingers hurt all the time. And getting up in the morning is terrible it feels like withdrawal. It takes me about 4 hours to get back to normal. People should really do there homework before using this medication.

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Neuropathic Pain

Overall rating 3.3

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Taking gabapentin for nerve pain. Side effects are terrible had to stay in bed for days .So tired day and night and dizzy. I wish there was something u can take to stop being tired. It’s dreadful it’s a shame because it does work but side effects are terrible. I am trying to get off it. Only take 900 mg a day 1 -300mg every 8 hours sometimes u get break through pain doctor told me to increase to 1-600 mg every 8 hours no way . One 300 mg makes me waisted please be very careful with this medicine.Read More Read Less

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Neuropathic Pain

Overall rating 2.3

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Was taking gabapentin it’s terrible.Had to take a weeks vacation because. I was so tired . I am on 3 weeks and still very tired.

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Neuropathic Pain

Overall rating 3.7

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I have Charcot Marie-Tooth (CMT) which is a degenerative nerve disorder. It seems to help with the nerve pain and the spasms. I’m also a former opiate user which I had started using recreationally in my late teens right when I was beginning to have more and more issues due to the Charcot. The opiates allowed me to work two jobs and be independent for myself until the tolerance got higher and I was sick without them. I started methadone when I was 30-31 and am still on it, but have been decreasing a little each month to see how my body feels without it. The gabapentin has helped with the slight discomfort from the methadone reduction, but it’s hard to gauge its full effectiveness until I’m off the methadone. I’d love to be pill free, but my body is only getting worse and when I try to “workout” or play disc golf I get really sore and with my disorder I’m not sure if it’s good or bad. I do have less spasms on the gabapentin and the nerve pain seems to go under the radar a bit.Read More Read Less

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Neuropathic Pain

Overall rating 1.3

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My mother had been taking this medicine for 3 months 2 600mg 3 times a day! She eventually got dizzy and fell in her house and broke her neck! This is not a good drug! Shame on the medical staff giving this!

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Fill 3Created with Sketch. Condition: Pain Originating From a Nerve

Overall rating 4.7

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I have extreme pain in the tibial nerve just ahead of the tarsal tunnel. There is no indication of what’s causing it, its thought its the nerve itself. Nothing worked until I was given Gabapentin. We worked up to 1000 mg. 3 times a day. Now my pain is less frequent and minor.

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Guidelines for Your Child’s Bedtime

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Bedtime routines are important for children. Regardless of age, regular schedules and bedtime rituals help us get the sleep we need and give us the ability to function at peak levels. When it comes to children, having a routine is especially important. Establishing and maintaining good sleep habits helps your child fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up rested and refreshed. It may also prevent future sleep problems. Good sleep habits can not only take the stress out of bedtime, but can help make it the special time it should be for you and your child.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for bedtime. Each individual has their own sleep needs. Your child is unique. If your routine is working, then it is probably best for you. That said, some approaches work better than others. The following guidelines have been shown to be effective.

1. Make sleep a family priority. Determine how much sleep each family member needs and ensure that they get it. Discuss any sleep problems with your child’s doctor. Most are easily treated.

2. Learn to recognize sleep problems in your child. Signs of sleep problems include difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, snoring, stalling and resisting going to bed, having trouble breathing during sleep, and loud or heavy breathing while sleeping. Sleep problems can be evident in daytime behavior as well. If your child seems overtired, sleepy, or cranky during the day, tell your child’s doctor.

3. Consistency. As in all aspects of parenting, consistency and follow-through are key ingredients for success. Without them, you just can’t expect your child to learn or change behavior.

4. Teamwork. It is important for you and your partner or spouse to discuss your strategy beforehand and work as a team. If you are beginning a nighttime program, explain your new expectations to your child if they are old enough to understand.

5. Set a regular bedtime and wake time. This sets and aligns expectations for both you and your child and allows you to plan the bedtime routine accordingly.

6. Routine, routine, routine. Kids love it, they thrive on it, and it works. Routines set expectations and help train behavior; a nightly bedtime routine helps your child learn to be sleepy, just like reading in bed may put some of us adults to sleep (even when we’re out of bed). The structure of bedtime routines also associates the bedroom with good feelings and provides a sense of security and control. Routines can take the stress out of bedtime and help make it a special time, especially if you have more than one child.

7. Dress and room temperature. Again, there are no absolutes here, but a rule of thumb is to dress your child basically as you dress yourself, keeping in mind that younger children often kick off the covers at night and are unable to cover themselves. People generally sleep better in a cooler (but not cold) rather than warmer room.

8. Transitional object. Bedtime means separation, and that can be made easier with a transitional object, like a doll, teddy bear, blanket, or other comfort item. This kind of object can provide a sense of security and control that comforts and reassures your child.

9. Dark and quiet. Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet and the noise level in the house is low. If your child does not like a totally dark room, turn on a small night light or leave the hall light on and the door to the bedroom open.

10. Don’t allow screens. Keep televisions, phones or other electronics devices out of the bedroom.