Should My Mom Continue Gabapentin for Degenerative Joint Disease?

Q: Should My Mom Continue Gabapentin for Degenerative Joint Disease?

Hello： Neurontin has many uses. <br>It can also be used as a medication to suppress chronic pain, and its active ingredient, gabapentin, appears to be most effective for alleviating neuropathic pain. <br>It can relieve most types of neuropathic pain, including pain associated wit

Medication consultation!

My mother has been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease, and the doctor prescribed 300 mg Gabapentin capsules (NEURONTIN CAP 300MG).
However, she has only taken it for two days and feels dizzy all day, has a dry mouth, and is unsteady on her feet.
Should she continue taking this medication? Also, it seems that this medication is used to treat epilepsy; will it help with my mother's condition?

vicky, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/01/20

Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology

Hello: Neurontin has many uses.
It can also be used as a medication to suppress chronic pain, and its active ingredient, gabapentin, appears to be most effective for alleviating neuropathic pain.
It can relieve most types of neuropathic pain, including pain associated with cancer or HIV, and it tends to have fewer side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or unsteadiness.
Even if these side effects occur, they can often be managed by adjusting the dosage.
Regarding the side effects you mentioned, your mother may be quite sensitive to this medication.
You can discuss these side effects with her prescribing physician, who can adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication.
Would that be acceptable? Thank you for your question.
Bye.

Reply Date: 2005/01/20

More Info

Gabapentin, marketed under the brand name Neurontin, is primarily known as an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. However, it has also gained recognition for its effectiveness in managing neuropathic pain and certain types of chronic pain, including pain associated with degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as osteoarthritis. Your mother's experience with side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and unsteadiness is not uncommon, especially when starting a new medication.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that Gabapentin works by modulating the way nerves send messages to the brain, which can help alleviate pain. In the context of degenerative joint disease, it may help manage pain that arises from nerve irritation or damage, which can occur alongside joint degeneration. However, the effectiveness of Gabapentin for DJD can vary from person to person. Some patients report significant relief, while others may not experience the same benefits.

Regarding the side effects your mother is experiencing, these can occur as her body adjusts to the medication. Dizziness and unsteadiness are particularly concerning, especially for older adults, as they can increase the risk of falls. Dry mouth is another common side effect that can be uncomfortable but is generally not serious. It is crucial to communicate these side effects to her prescribing physician. The doctor may consider adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or implementing additional strategies to manage these side effects.

It is also worth noting that Gabapentin is not the only option for managing pain associated with degenerative joint disease. Other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, or even topical analgesics, may be more suitable depending on her overall health, other medications she may be taking, and her specific symptoms. Physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and exercise, can also play a significant role in managing DJD symptoms.

In summary, while Gabapentin can be beneficial for some patients with degenerative joint disease, it is not without its side effects, which can be particularly pronounced in older adults. It is crucial to have an open dialogue with her healthcare provider about her experiences with the medication. They can help determine whether to continue, adjust, or change her treatment plan based on her individual needs and response to the medication. Always prioritize safety and quality of life when considering any medication regimen, especially for conditions like degenerative joint disease.

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