Both short-term and long-term use of gabapentin can cause physical and psychological complications. Misusing it may cause you to experience a greater number of symptoms or experience them with greater severity. For healthcare professionals. Applies to gabapentin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release. General adverse events. The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of this drug were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. A further effect of long-term gabapentin use arises when a person who has been taking the medication for a long period of time tries to abruptly discontinue use. This places a lot of stress on the brain because it has gotten used to relying on the augmented GABA neurotransmitter production for improved functioning in the central nervous system. Gabapentin is FDA-approved as Neurontin to treat partial seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. Partial seizures are convulsions that originate from a single location in the brain. Neurontin is also approved to treat a type of nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN. Neurontin: Treats pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia) and, when combined with other seizure medications, treats partial-onset seizures in adults and children over 3 years old. Gralise: Specifically for postherpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles) and should not be used for any other conditions. In a seminal trial on pain following shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia), the target dose of gabapentin was 900 mg four times daily. It often takes weeks or months to build up to this dose so that Along with its needed effects, gabapentin (the active ingredient contained in Neurontin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gabapentin: More common in children. Long-term use of opioids may lead to dependence on the medications and, eventually, addiction. The longer you use opioids, the greater the risk of becoming addicted. But even using opioids to manage pain for more than a few days increases your risk. While these studies suggest a connection between gabapentin and memory problems, more research is needed to know for sure. Still, talk to your prescriber about gabapentin’s long-term effects on the brain, especially if you’re over 65 and take other medications that affect the brain. 12. Withdrawal symptoms Gabapentin can be a valuable tool in managing various health conditions, but long-term use comes with potential risks. From physical side effects like weight gain and fatigue to cognitive and emotional challenges, it’s essential to be aware of how this medication may affect you over time. Generally, it is recommended to take gabapentin for at least four to six weeks or at the highest tolerated dose for at least two weeks. However, nerve pain can be a long-term issue, lasting for three or more months. If gabapentin provides relief, your healthcare provider may have you continue taking it daily. Using gabapentin over a long period can lead to more dramatic health risks. While it can be effective for managing pain or seizures, prolonged use increases the chance of developing serious side effects. Some of the most common Gabapentin long-term side effects include: Memory loss: Long-term gabapentin use has been linked to problems with Gabapentin is intended to manage long-term, chronic pain, and is not used for routine pain caused by minor injuries or arthritis. Studies show that pain relief may start within one week and reach a maximum effect in about 4 weeks. In addition to being used to treat pain, gabapentin is used off label to treat anxiety, alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol withdrawal, depression, substance use disorders (SUDs), sleep problems, and more. However, the data to support these off-label uses of gabapentin are mixed, especially for long-term use. Gabapentinoid drugs—specifically gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica)—are increasingly being prescribed for pain because physicians and patients seek alternatives to opioids in the The only medicine I take is gabapentin for peripheral neuropathy that was caused by the chemotherapy drugs I received during the cancer treatment. One or more of these drugs caused neuropathy in The only medicine I take is gabapentin for peripheral neuropathy that was caused by the chemotherapy drugs I received during the cancer treatment. One or more of these drugs caused neuropathy in Gabapentin can be an effective option for long-term treatment of chronic nerve pain when taken under medical supervision. While it is generally safe for extended use, be cautious of risks like dependence, tolerance, and side effects. Gabapentin is a medication that is primarily used to treat seizures and neuropathic pain. It works by modulating calcium channels and reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release. While gabapentin can be very effective for these conditions, many people wonder if it is safe for long-term use. Is gabapentin addictive? Gabapentin and pregabalin are medicines that are used to treat epilepsy. The neural mechanisms of epilepsy and nerve damage pain have some commonality so the medicines are also prescribed for the treatment of neuropathic (nerve damage) pain such as pain after shingles, diabetes nerve pain and sciatica. They often considered together as ‘gabapentinoids’.
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