Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: alternative to Neurontin

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Neurology - General


I am taking Neurontin (2700 mg) for pain related to spasticity. I have been on it about a yr & it worked much better with a lower dose when I first started taking it. A dr mentioned that several other seizure drugs were coming out that could also be used to treat chronic pain. Are you aware of the names of any of these?
Thanks

Dear Suzie:

Actually, neurontin seems to be the best of the anti-seizure medications to help with neuropathic pain, of the new medications. Some of the old medications seem to also work, tegratol and dilantin (especially with spasticity with the latter). Of the newer medications such as gabatril, topramax, lamictal, or vigabatrin, I haven't heard of anyone using these for pain. How often are you taking the neurontin? We have found that with taking too much at once, limits its absorption. However, only taking 2700 mg shouldn't be a problem. We have used up to 4,000 mg for neuropathy. Sorry that I haven't heard of the other new anti-epileptic medications used for pain. I would ask the other doctor which ones he/she was referring to.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS

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