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For chronic back pain, Neurontin (Gabapentin) will work for most people.
Neurontin is really excreted by the body primarily through the kidneys and not by the liver like most other things. It has also been used for therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in pediatric patients from the ages of 3 to 12.
In the 1990's, the sale of Neurontin was approved as treatment for epileptic seizures. The FDA has approved this to treat epilepsy only when used with another drug for shingles pain. The recommended dosage is 3 times a day.
Gabapentin is indicated for the management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults. This medicine does not interact with other seizure medicines, so it can be used as an add on. It has not been approved to treat severe RLS (restless leg syndrome).
Neurontin is expensive and one of the best selling drug in the world used for the treatment of chronic back pain. The average cost is $400/month for 3200mg/day. The effects are good even though it is an expensive drug to treat pain. However, if you constantly need the medication and want to save money you can buy generic Neurontin instead of the brand one. Generic versions are usuallu 30 - 40% cheaper.
Neurontin is the first oral medication approved by the FDA and found in breast milk. It was prescribed for epilepsy. The medicine has also been approved for a few off label uses. One of the biggest selling points is that it has few side effects.
Neurontin does not produce any active or inactive metabolites and is not metabolized by the body. It can be taken with or without food orally. Neurontin is good for the nerve damage from chronic back pain and should not be used as pain management.
Pfizer is the manufacturer and this is its best selling drug. It is popular too. It is one of the 50 most prescribed medicines in the United States in 2003.
Neurontin is well tolerated, has relatively mild side effects and also opasses through the body unmetabolized. Therefore, is often one of the first drugs prescribed.
Tags: gabapentin, neurontin.
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