Overview
Gabapentin is considered one of the best medications to treat neuropathic pain like sciatica. It’s not an over-the-counter medication and can only be dispensed after carefully diagnosing your condition due to its central nervous system effects on the body. One common side effect of gabapentin is dizziness: Drowsiness, nausea, and memory issues. The dose of gabapentin is prescribed in an increasing manner. It’s important to follow the prescribed regimen of gabapentin till the recommended period for effective treatment of gabapentin. The typical starting dose of gabapentin for sciatica is 300 mg per day, which your doctor may gradually increase.
Is gabapentin helpful for sciatica?
Yes. Gabapentin is quite helpful in treating sciatica or sciatic pain, mainly when the cause stems from nerve pinching or damage (neuropathic pain). Usually, the sciatic pain radiates from the back to the lower limbs and is nerve-related. Other medications, including gabapentin, are prescribed as per the cause and severity of pain.
Gabapentin is not the first choice for sciatic pain. Cold or hot compressions and other home remedies are preferred first. Some over-the-counter medications, including acetaminophen and Tylenol, are also selected for pain relief. Gabapentin and other medications are prescribed in case of severe pain that doesn’t go away from over-the-counter pain relief medications.
Some of the critical side effects that can be expected while taking gabapentin for sciatica are:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty walking or unsteady gait
- Unusual Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Confusion or memory problems
The above-mentioned side effects can not be totally prevented but can be reduced to some extent by staying hydrated during the treatment, starting with the initial and lower dose of gabapentin followed by a strict dosing schedule (never missing a dose) to keep the drug level constant in the body, avoiding alcohol consumption, and taking the medication with food for better absorption.
How does gabapentin work for sciatica?
Gabapentin belongs to the anticonvulsant class of medications that treat pain due to convulsions or nerve damage, especially in the lower back and legs. It works for sciatic pain in several ways, from binding to calcium channels on nerve endings to calming the nerve signals that are hyperactive due to pain and eventually improving pain tolerance for sciatic pain.
Gabapentin work for sciatic pain as follows:
- Gabapentin, when absorbed into the body, binds to the calcium channels in the nerve endings that transmit pain signals. It stops the pain signals that help a person feel the pain. Reducing the transmitting frequency decreases the intensity to which pain can be felt.
- Gabapentin also helps calm the hyperactive nerves, which also helps in reducing the pain sensation in the area.
Gabapentin helps manage sciatica by calming overactive nerve signals, reducing pain without treating the underlying cause, says Dr.Richard Honekar
How long does it take for gabapentin to work for sciatica?
Gabapentin can take 2-3 weeks to show its maximum effects on sciatica. In some cases, the symptoms can also be felt before two weeks, depending on the patient’s condition and response to the treatment. It also depends on the intensity of the nerve damage and compression.
When prescribed for sciatic pain, gabapentin is gradually increased. The dose is increased after a specific prescribed duration with the consultation of a healthcare provider.
How much gabapentin should be taken for sciatica?
The typical starting dose of gabapentin for sciatica is 300 mg per day, which your doctor may gradually increase. The effective dose can vary depending on the patient’s condition, but it generally ranges between 900 mg and 3,600 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses.
To avoid any adverse effects, it’s important to get the correct dose after your healthcare provider’s consultation and diagnosis.
Consult a doctor
Sciatic pain can be very discomforting and disrupt your daily life activities. Get connected with an online doctor for the accurate diagnosis for the pain along with the well tailored prescription. Gabapentin can be one of the best medicines to treat sciatic pain if determined by a healthcare provider.
FAQs gabapentin for sciatica
Gabapentin masks the pain rather than healing the nerves by binding to nerve endings where pain signals pass. This reduces the sensation, leading to less pain.
If a healthcare provider prescribes it, yes! It’s essential to follow the prescription guidelines for gabapentin and the recommended dose. Doctors prescribe gabapentin in a pattern of increasing doses to treat sciatic pain effectively.
NSAIDs, over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, anticonvulsants like gabapentin, and antidepressants are considered the best drugs to treat sciatic nerve pain. However, your healthcare provider can only determine the best drug for your condition after the complete diagnosis.
