Neurontin (Gabapentin) used for Chronic Back Pain-Print
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.
Neurontin was originally approved for sale in the mid 1990’s as a treatment for epileptic seizures. The FDA has approved this to treat epilepsy when it is used with another drug for pain related shingles. Neurontin is usually taken in 3 equal doses each day.
Gabapentin is indicated for the management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults. Gabapentin does not interact with other medicines used for seizures and is safe to use as an add on. It has not beet yet approved to treat severe RLS (restless leg syndrome).
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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