Gabapentin may be a pain management treatment option for people with nerve pain-related conditions. “Patients with nerve-related pain conditions are potential candidates for gabapentin; however, evaluation by a medical professional is necessary before it can be prescribed,” Liao says.
But even if you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathic pain, it’s important to ask your healthcare provider about the specific potential risks and possible benefits of gabapentin.
“When discussing chronic pain with a primary care physician, focus on how the pain has changed your ability to do your activities of daily living, sleep, or exercise, and what an effective treatment would look like for you,” MacKenzie says.
In addition, a healthcare provider can advise you about available pain management approaches — including other nerve pain medications, physical therapy, topical treatments, and lifestyle modifications.
“Medication may be one part of this, but mindfulness, physical therapy, acupuncture, and other modalities may be effective ways to control pain without the side effects of medication,” says MacKenzie. “Sometimes, medication does help patients — even when prescribed off-label, like gabapentin. It is important to have a reward-risk discussion with your doctor to see if it is the right fit for you.”
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