Neurontin Indications

There are several indications for Neurontin^® (gabapentin). This prescription medication is approved for use with other seizure medications to treat partial seizures and can be used to treat nerve pain that occurs after an outbreak of shingles (called postherpetic neuralgia).

There are also several "off-label" Neurontin indications, such as treating:

Alcohol withdrawal
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease
Bipolar disorder
Hot flashes associated with menopause or breast cancer treatment
Migraine headaches
Orthostatic tremor (shakiness of the legs when standing)
Other types of chronic pain or nerve pain, including diabetic neuropathy
Social anxiety disorder
Spasticity (muscle spasms that cause stiffness), including spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS).

Although it is not exactly clear how Neurontin works, it is believed to affect certain calcium channels in the brain.

(Click Neurontin Uses for a more in-depth look at indications for Neurontin use, including information on how it may work, its use in children, and how the drug can help relieve symptoms of various conditions.)