There are many uses for Neurontin
® (
gabapentin). For example, the medication is commonly used for treating the chronic nerve pain that often occurs after an outbreak of
shingles. When used in combination with other
seizure medications, Neurontin can also be used to treat partial
seizures in adults and children as young as three years old.
Neurontin for Nerve Pain After Shingles
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Neurontin for treating nerve pain associated with
postherpetic neuralgia. People who took the drug experienced less pain compared to those not taking it. In one study, as many as 34 percent of people taking it reported having half as much pain (or less), compared to just 14 percent of a similar group of people not taking it.
Neurontin for Epilepsy
Neurontin was also studied as a treatment for partial seizures in people with
epilepsy. These studies included people who were already taking other seizure medications and whose seizures were not adequately controlled. In one study, up to 23 percent of people who added Neurontin to their seizure medications experienced seizures half as frequently as before, compared to just 9 percent of a similar group of people who did not take the drug.
(Click Neurontin to learn more about Neurontin's benefits, for suggestions on when and how to take this drug, and to find out what side effects may occur with treatment.)
