Osteoarthritis, also known, as wear-and-tear arthritis, can often become so severe thatjoint replacement surgeryis needed.
Using gabapentin withother arthritis treatmentsmay help delay such procedures.
The article describes how gabapentin is commonly used and how it may be prescribed to treat knee arthritis pain.
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It also explains how gabapentin is taken and possible side effects of treatment.
Gabapentin has two approved uses: the treatment ofpartial seizuresin people withepilepsyand the treatment ofneuropathic (nerve-related) pain.
Fibromyalgia is the main example of nociplastic pain, the condition of which is responsive to drugs like gabapentin.
Even so, the evidence remains mixed as to how effective the drug is when applied to OA pain.
When used in this way, pain relief was felt within two to four weeks and leveled off thereafter.
Other studies are less supportive of treatment.
A 2023 analysis from Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.
Does Gabapentin Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
There are few studies to date suggesting any benefit to treating RA with gabapentin.
If anything, gabapentin is known to trigger flare-ups with certain types of autoimmune diseases, such asmyasthenia gravis.
Others may develop later due to long-term exposure to the drug.
Other side effects are far less common, affecting only 2% to 4% of users.
The risk of side effects is largely dose-dependent, meaning that larger doses or prolonged exposure increases their risk.
Stopping Treatment
Never stop gabapentin without speaking with your healthcare provider.
Stopping abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating.
If you are being treated for epilepsy, stopping suddenly can also trigger seizures.
Gabapentin Interactions
Gabapentin has few drug interactions.
Interactions can cause the concentration of gabapentin or the accompanying drug to rise or fall.
Breastfeeding should be avoided while taking gabapentin as the drug can be passed in breast milk.
The effect of this on newborns is unknown.
Gabapentin can be taken with or without food.
This helps ease you into treatment with minimal side effects.
How Long Does It Take Gabapentin to Work?
Pfizer.Neurontin (gabapentin) capsules, for oral use.
A benefit-harm and cost-effectiveness analysis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage.
2019;61(sup1):S4-S10.
