Does Gabapentin Help Cure Diabetic Neuropathy?

Posted on Sat, 1 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 1 Jul 2017 Answered on

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am not a dietbetic. I have neuropathy in my feet and legs but only at night. Why rx gabapentin?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About neuropathy treatment;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
Gabapentin is used as an analgesic not only for diabetic neuropathy.
We do not know how gabapentin works (the mechanism of action).
Gabapentin structurally resembles the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). (Neurotransmitters are substances that nerves use to communicate with one another.)
It is possible that this similarity is related to gabapentin's mechanism of action.
Herpetic neuropathy and idiopatic neuropathy (without known cause), are also treated with gabapentin.
So, if neuropathy is diagnosed, gabapentin is often helpful in managing the pain.
Hope i have been helpful.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T