Cancer pain is commonly accompanied by neuropathic pain which is caused by your central or peripheral nerves malfunctioning. It is characterized by aching, shooting or burning sensations and may be helped by medications such as gabapentin.
Gabapentin Facts
Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin) is a non-opioid medication which belongs to the anti-convulsant family of drugs. It is a pain reliever that specifically targets neuropathic pain and works in tandem with other pain medications.
Indications
Cancer patients may experience neuropathic pain due to compression or nerve injury caused by the position of the tumor or as a complication of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Clinical Research
A 2004 clinical study completed in Milan indicated that gabapentin effectively relieved neuropathic pain in cancer patients already receiving opioid treatment. A 2005 clinical study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine supported the earlier research and confirmed that gabapentin is effective in treating neuropathic cancer pain.
Drug Interactions
Gabapentin levels may be elevated by morphine use, posing an increased risk of side effects. Other medications which may interact with gabapentin include naproxen, hydrocodone and other sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants and antihistamines.
Side Effects
Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness and drowsiness. Rare side effects include vision problems, chest pain, dry mouth, increased saliva, constipation, sensitivity to sunlight, nausea, nosebleeds, rapid heartbeat, hearing loss, depression, breathing problems, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction.
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