Besides Multiple Sclerosis, Neurontin (Gabapentin) is a drug prescribed for many reasons, but for patients with MS, Neurontin (which is the brand name for Gabapentin) the interest is in the effect the drug has on dysesthesias – which is a painful and persistent sensation caused by even a gentle tough to the skin. Some people describe this as a “pins and needles” type of pain that can be extremely distracting. It should be noted that dysesthesias is not only present in MS patients. Other conditions like Shingles, Lyme disease, and sometimes even side effects from other medications can cause it. In some cases it is caused by heavy metal exposure. A neurologist should be consulted to determine the exact cause of your dysesthesias. Usually additional studies and MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord will help with determining the cause. But it is common for MS sufferers and is a neurological disorder in and of itself. It is generally associated with MS lesions.
Spasticity, or stiff and rigid muscles, is another common pain causing symptom of this debilitating disease.
It is worthwhile to note that for those that suffer from the pain of either or both of these conditions that are caused by Multiple Sclerosis, Neurontin seems to offer relief.
Not only for MS, Neurontin is a widely used drug.
Gabapentin was originally formulated for the treatment of epilepsy. But today, it is widely prescribed for Fibromyalgia, Epilepsy, Seizures, General Chronic Pain, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Depression and MS. Neurontin is so widely used that a patient may find comfort in knowing that the side-effects are generally well-tolerated and mostly disappear after a couple of weeks. Superb to moderate relief is reported by the majority of users and the reduction in general of a wide range of neurological disorder symptoms is encouraging. The side effects that are most commonly reported are Sleepiness, Dizziness, and Coordination problems. Most if not all of these side effects will either go away completely or diminish to the point they are not bothersome within six weeks of treatment. For patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Neurontin will tend to increase sleepiness, so a bedtime dose may be your best alternative. As always, this should be discussed with your physician and tailored to your individual treatment plan.
Neurontin should always be taken with food and should not be taken within two hours after taking antacid. And if it is prescribed at a dosage of 3 times daily, don’t allow more than 12 hours in between doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but do not double dose at any time.
