Gabapentin (also known as Neurontin) was originally developed to treat seizures and mood disorders, but has since been prescribed off-label to treat migraines, hot flashes and neuropathic pain, among other conditions. However, if you’re not familiar with its many benefits, you may be missing out on some of the top ways to use gabapentin—that are definitely worth knowing about! In this article, we’ll explore 10 top uses for gabapentin that may surprise you!. If you are looking to purchase Gabapentin online, you should give this one a try, as we have had positive experiences making orders here.
1) Medical Issues
One of gabapentin’s most common uses is in treating pain caused by medical issues such as shingles, and herpes zoster. It’s also used to treat other sorts of nerve pain (including pain from diabetes), and those experiencing post-herpetic neuralgia, or PHN. Some patients may also find it useful in treating osteoarthritis or bipolar disorder. Many have reported taking it as a sleep aid; while others claim they were able to control their anxiety while using it. While these are just some of its uses, there are many more ways people have found to take advantage of what gabapentin has to offer.
2) Osteoarthritis Pain
The most common use of gabapentin is to treat neuropathic pain caused by diabetes, shingles and other conditions. As an anticonvulsant, gabapentin can help reduce or eliminate painful muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis. And studies have shown that gabapentin may be as effective as opioids at reducing moderate-to-severe pain. If you suffer from chronic pain and haven’t tried it yet, talk to your doctor about giving gabapentin a try. It’s safer than taking opioids (although still not without risk) and has few side effects—the most common being drowsiness and dizziness.
3) Fibromyalgia Pain
Researchers believe that gabapentin can help reduce fibromyalgia pain by decreasing levels of pain receptors in our central nervous system. It is thought to achieve these results without causing drowsiness and may have fewer side effects than other prescription medications used to treat fibromyalgia. For example, gabapentin does not cause dry mouth, which can make it easier to take on a daily basis. Studies have shown that gabapentin has helped patients with fibromyalgia control their symptoms more effectively than those who did not take it, allowing them to return to work and their regular activities more quickly after injury or surgery. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, talk with your doctor about whether taking gabapentin is right for you!
4) Muscle Spasms
People with muscle spasms (which can accompany a stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis or other ailments) find relief with gabapentin. The drug is also useful in stopping some types of seizures and reducing withdrawal symptoms from nicotine addiction. For most people, starting on a low dose is sufficient; that can range from 600 to 1,200 milligrams per day. People who weigh more than 200 pounds may need to take larger doses; your doctor will help you determine what’s best. If side effects become troublesome — typically dizziness or fatigue — talk to your doctor about lowering your dosage and trying another treatment method instead.
5) Inflammation in the Body
As with any pain medication, gabapentin can cause mild to moderate side effects. Some patients have reported dizziness, nausea and blurry vision. These are more common when taking high doses of gabapentin. In rare cases, a patient may experience serious allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of your lips, tongue or throat. Be sure to speak with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects so that you do not miss a dose of gabapentin and increase your risk for further side effects.
6) Seizures
Many people with epilepsy take gabapentin to treat seizures, but it can also be used to treat nerve pain. Pain in a number of different locations can occur due to issues with nerves that run through your body. If you have chronic nerve pain and are thinking about taking gabapentin, you should do so under close medical supervision. When taking gabapentin to treat nerve pain, doctors typically recommend trying one of three different dosages: 300 milligrams once a day, 300 milligrams twice a day or 600 milligrams once a day. Talk with your doctor about which dosage is best for you and how long it will take before you start seeing results from using gabapentin as treatment.
7) Bipolar Disorder
Although doctors don’t know exactly what causes bipolar disorder, we do know that it is a hereditary mental illness. It is typically diagnosed in late teens or early adulthood and will probably last throughout your lifetime. The symptoms can be treated with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to remember that it isn’t anyone’s fault that they have bipolar disorder — though you are responsible for taking care of yourself! It’s crucial to educate yourself about your condition and how to take charge of it. Some ways you can do so include taking advantage of self-help groups, reading about self-care techniques, or simply talking with a doctor who specializes in bipolar disorder. Do whatever works best for you!
8) Use it as a Sleep Aid or Anti-Anxiety Medication
There are many ways that gabapentin can be used as a sleep aid. It can be used to make it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep or simply to help with overall insomnia. Even if you don’t suffer from anxiety problems, using gabapentin as an anti-anxiety medication can also be very beneficial. Many people use it in order to help reduce panic attacks and other anxiety related symptoms that may interfere with their day-to-day lives. Both of these uses have shown great results for many people. If you suffer from any of these conditions, it is important that you talk with your doctor about how they may benefit you through a treatment with gabapentin.
9) Use it with Opioids
Since gabapentin is typically used to treat nerve pain, it’s often used in conjunction with opioid medications such as Vicodin and Percocet. However, because opioids are addictive and can be dangerous if you’re not taking them under a doctor’s supervision, gabapentin is often prescribed as a way to reduce those negative side effects. While taking opioids can help you experience powerful pain relief from conditions like cancer or arthritis, they also cause constipation and nausea. The latter makes sense—you’re essentially inducing vomiting without actually throwing up—but constipation may seem odd because opioid drugs slow intestinal activity.
10) Anxiety Disorder Relief
If you’re suffering from anxiety, even if it’s a generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, you may benefit from gabapentin. Research suggests that 50 to 60 percent of patients suffering from depression are also clinically anxious. The reasons why are unclear, but they seem to be related to chemical imbalances in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), as well as neurotransmitter pathways and receptors located in areas of your brain related to thinking and mood. To treat anxiety symptoms with gabapentin, you’ll want to start with a low dose and work up to your maximum therapeutic dose over time.
