Epileptic seizures and / or fits are also known as convulsions. These neuro conditions are of many kinds; for example, focal / partial form of fits can affect a single side of the cerebral system. Seizures occurring on frontal-lobe of brain may bring-about a wavy sensation. Seizures of temporal-lobe trigger déjà vu / ‘already-experienced’ loop; on occipital-lobes seizures create disturbing feelings. Gabapentin is one of the meds used for seizures; but can you use gabapentin for back pain?
Antiepileptic meds are used for treating epileptic convulsions. Owing to this property, such meds are also called anticonvulsants. Fits or seizures occur when your neurons (read: nerve cells) start firing in an erratic manner. Antiepileptic drugs can control such abnormal firing of neurons.
Main ingredients antiepileptics are made of aid prevent onsets of convulsions / fits. Caregivers have a wide choice of such meds; among the many types of these drugs, gabapentinoids are known to block calcium ions. Many popular meds – such as gabapentin, pregabalin and mirogabalin – belong to this sub-category.
What is gabapentin?
Medications like gabapentin – which belong to a class known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs – are widely administered to treat erratic behaviors of neurons. Medical science is yet to fully ascertain how this med functions. Gabapentin is used for handling seizures of the partial / focal kind, anxieties or restless-legs, nerve pains – especially those triggered by shingles and other such conditions, etc.
Gabapentin
Those who are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (in short, COPD) need to use this with caution; your caregiver may limit the doses are prescribe an alternative to those with respiratory problems.
Is gabapentin good for back pain?
Gabapentin is used for treating nerve pains; but of late, it is widely used for treating back pain as well. Evidence drawn through medical research indicates its limited efficacy in treating lower back pain (especially, chronic type of such pains).
One of the reasons for lower back pain is the stress laid upon sciatic-nerve. Such pains arise in your lower back and creep down to either of your legs. In some people, this back pain can affect both your legs.
In all such cases, physical therapies coupled with intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NASIDs) are widely recommended. In other words, intake of gabapentin is not known to be very effective for such forms of back pains.
Gabapentin is used for back pain caused by nerve-related conditions. For instance, postherpetic nerve pains i.e., neuralgia is one of the conditions this antiepileptic med is prescribed for. As an off-the-label mode, gabapentin is good for diabetes-induced neuralgia / nerve pains.
How Much Gabapentin Can I Take Per Day, The maximum recommended daily dose of Gabapentin for adults is 3600 mg, usually divided into three doses. It’s essential to start with a lower dose and gradually increase under medical supervision to minimize side effects. For specific conditions like neuropathic pain or epilepsy, your doctor might adjust the dosage based on your medical history and response to treatment.
Dosage of gabapentin depends upon intensity of your pain, the underlying cause and also other factors like your age, presence of other disorders – if any, etc. On maintenance mode, dosages range from 300 milligrams (mg) to 900 mg – offered thrice per day. If your pain is not subsiding, in such cases – each dosage can reach 1,200 mg – prescribed three times each day.
Regardless of the dosage strength, it can be harmful to later dosage strength of gabapentin without the consent of treating doctor(s). Wellbeing of kidneys is a key prerequisite and a pivotal factor considered while prescribing your dosage plan. Also, it is unsafe to use drugs like gabapentin for back pain through self-medication.
Gabapentin for back pain must always be taken as per instructions of a qualified healthcare professional. Those aiming to discontinue dosage plans must not stop without telling your caregiving team. People who stopped it all-of-a-sudden may witness withdrawal effects like insomnia, anorexia, migraines, breathing problems such as panting or gasping.
In case of an overdose of gabapentin, it can lead to slurred speech, discharge of watery stool and blurred eyesight. In all such cases, it is highly recommended to take clinical support as quickly as possible. Always consult with your doctor prior to using or stopping to use gabapentin for back pain.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
