The spine consists of multiple vertebral bones separated by gel-like discs. The discs are the shock absorbers, cushioning the vertebrae. Normal wear and tear, underlying conditions, and injuries can cause the discs to crack, tear, and leak out, also known as a slipped or herniated disc, which is the most common cause of sciatica. In certain cases, physicians are using a medication that is used to control seizures known as gabapentin. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to treat nerve-related back pain, like sciatica.
Table of Contents
Gabapentin is a non-narcotic prescription medication that is part of the anticonvulsant family. FDA approved for the following:
Off-label uses include:
Gabapentin alters the way the brain and body transmit signals. It works by blocking the pain-causing neurotransmitters to calm the pain signals to the nerves. This is why it is used for sciatica and neurogenic pain. Individuals dealing with nerve pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs from sciatica or have diabetic neuropathy benefit the most. It is not recommended for chronic, non-specific low back pain. Gabapentin may take up to a month to provide maximum relief; individuals may start to experience some relief within the first week. However, notify a physician if significant pain persists after using Tylenol, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and gabapentin.
The most common side effects include:
Due to these potential side effects, Individuals should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking gabapentin.
Rare but more serious side effects can include:
In 2019, the FDA released a statement cautioning the elderly and those with significant breathing conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/COPD, to use extreme caution when taking gabapentin and similar medications. Elderly individuals are more likely to experience side effects due to age-related changes, decreased kidney function, poor balance, and mobility issues. There is an increased risk of experiencing breathing problems when taking gabapentin with any of the following:
The consumption of alcohol, opioids, or CNS depressants while taking gabapentin can increase the sedating effects of each substance and lead to respiratory depression. It is imperative that your physician knows all prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins to prevent negative interactions between medications.
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Serious breathing difficulties with gabapentin and pregabalin. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-serious-breathing-problems-seizure-and-nerve-pain-medicines-gabapentin-neurontin
Grice, Gloria R, and Marsha K Mertens. “Gabapentin as a potential option for treatment of sciatica.” Pharmacotherapy vol. 28,3 (2008): 397-402. doi:10.1592/phco.28.3.397
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, March 22). Prescription CNS depressants DrugFacts. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-cns-depressants
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Gabapentin: Medlineplus drug information. MedlinePlus. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694007.html
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Pregabalin: Medlineplus drug information. MedlinePlus. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605045.html
Yasaei R, Katta S, Saadabadi A. Gabapentin. [Updated 2022 May 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493228/
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The information herein on "Gabapentin Medication For Sciatica: The Sciatica Clinic" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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