Gabapentin is a prescription medication primarily used to treat nerve pain and seizures. It is a prescription oral medication available in capsules, tablets, or liquid form. It is prescribed in different doses according to the health condition of patients. Before taking these pills you need to read full instructions such as how to take, when to stop, what the doses will be etc. In this blog you can read gabapentin alternatives for managing nerve pain and relief from anxiety.
What are the benefits and work of Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is used as a pain reliever and mostly used to treat different types of seizures. These tablets are FDA Approved and used for anxiety, insomnia, also it helps in reducing the discomfortness caused by restless leg syndrome. It treats the aches and pain postpathic neurology that occurs after infection which is called shingles. These gabapentin tablets work in the brain and calming inactive nerves in the body.
3 Best Prescription substitute or Alternatives to Gabapentin for nerve pain
Gabapentin alternatives typically include other prescription medications with similar mechanisms of action such as pregabalin, Amitriptyline, Duloxetine.
1. Pregabalin
Pregabalin is a prescription medication prescribed by doctors to treat nerve pain, anxiety, and seizures. As gabapentin this medication block pain signals which are traveling through the damaged nerve and brain in adults and children.
Pregabalin may take time to work in the body but if you no longer see any recovery, you need to consult your doctor or healthcare provider. Make sure to take only those doses which are provided or prescribed to you by your doctor. Your doses will be adjusted according to your health conditions, you only need to take precautions if you are taking these medications (Pregabalin).
2. Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used for the treatment of depression, and it is also used to get relief from chronic pain, to prevent migraine, and to treat a nighttime bedwetting. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain which helps in improving the mood and emotional stability. Amitriptyline is usually taken orally with doses adjusted based on the patient’s health condition. It is available in 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg. Before taking Amitriptyline you need to know your doses, take the exact dose as per your doctor prescribed to you.
3. Duloxetine
Duloxetine is a prescription drug available under the brand name of Cymbalta and it is used to treat major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain. It is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI) and works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain which improve mood and relief from pain. Duloxetine is designed in capsules form with the normal dose of 20 mg, 30 mg, 40mg or 60 mg. The starting dose for depression or anxiety is 30 mg to 60 mg over a day.
4 Natural & Herbal Alternatives or substitute of Gabapentin
Here are the list of natural & herbal alternatives of Gabapentin such as
1. CBD Oil
CBD oil is the natural & herbal alternative to Gabapentin and it is also used for severe pain. Most people make this CBD oil from cannabis plants and mix or dilute it with coconut oil or hemp seed oil. This CBD oil helps in reducing stress, improves sleep, and helps in discomfort pain problems. It is plant based ingredients which contain CBD extracts give the best result to the people suffering from nerve pain, anxiety and stress.
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil is unique for health benefits that offer a natural & herbal remedy for various conditions. It’s known for its ability to reduce anxiety and stress by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system which promotes relaxation. Many people use CBD oil to reduce chronic pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis and it may also help in improving sleep quality.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric (curcumma) is the herbal alternative to Gabapentin. Its active compound is curcumin which contains anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin helps for treating nerve pain and promoting calmness and relaxation in the body. It is a natural & herbal supplement for reducing nerve pain and chronic pain. If you include turmeric in your diet, this will be the best alternative to gabapentin. Turmeric is a bioactive substance that helps in fighting chronic pain, seizures, anxiety and reduces discomfortness in the body. This herbal alternative works best in the comparison of higher doses of any medication.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the most essential parts of an individual’s diet that a human body needs to maintain good health. Most people think that only vitamins, proteins and other supplements work for continuing a better health but magnesium is also an important nutrient.
It can help in improving sleep, mood, blood sugar and also reduce anxiety. You can see it around you in certain foods like nuts, whole grain breads, dark chocolates etc. If you include magnesium in your diet chart or food it works as the best alternative to gabapentin tablets.
Certain Foods which contain magnesium
- Dark chocolate: It contains prebiotic fiber that can help feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut and it contains 65 mg.
- Nuts: Most nuts are a good source of fiber that improve blood sugar and cholesterol level for those who are suffering from diabetes.
Who should not take magnesium?
Sometimes natural supplements like magnesium may interact with other medications. If an individual takes magnesium with some other medication or sees any side effects or adverse reaction in the body, immediately concern a healthcare provider or a doctor to follow their guidance.
4. Valerian Root
Valerian(valeriana) root is a natural herb alternative used for treating anxiety, stress, insomnia and sleep disorders. It is used as a natural medication, given by nature. It has a sharp odour which contains a musky, woody fragrance. This herbal plant calms and relaxes the brain and nervous system.
The roots, horizontal stems of valeriana is used for making dietary supplement such as capsule, tablets and pills.
Valeriana Root works for anxiety and stress symptoms:
These roots work in the brain, increasing the amount of a chemical substance called GABA(gamma aminobutyric acid). GABA helps to regulate the nerve cells and promotes a calming and relaxation effect on anxiety which reduces stress symptoms and gives a better sleepy nights.
Side effects of Valerian Root
Sometime people may occur side effects after taking valerian:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
What are the advice tips for taking valerian root?
It is a herbal extract so dosage will be difficult to determine. Many factors such as preparation of plant, age, condition of growing may affect the quality of supplement and root. It is recommended as different doses according to the manufacturer of this medication, still there is no correct dosage to provide for an individual but it works best if you follow the guidance.
You can take this herbal extract for stress with the dose of 400-600 mg or 0.3-3 of powdered valeriana root three times over a day. Statement is given by The European Medicines Agency.
Before taking it you need to read out the proper instructions of Valerian root.
Lifestyle-Based Alternatives
Apart from any medication, exercise and yoga also play an important role for living a healthy life. Physical therapy, yoga and meditation, acupuncture and massage therapy these all three make lifestyle-based alternatives to gabapentin. Physical exercise works best for nerve pain management without any medication. Here you can read below the benefits of daily exercises.
Physical therapy can be an alternative to gabapentin(Neurontin) for managing nerve pain & anxiety relief. Physical therapy includes massage, exercise and therapy, and it is also known as physiotherapy. Physical therapy works overall the body. If an individual follows daily exercise with a healthy diet plan it works fastly for managing pain, seizures, etc.
Yoga techniques are designed for an individual who is suffering from chronic pain. It contains the unique benefit of both physical therapy with meditation which helps in mindfulness and breathing exercise. Doctors or healthcare providers always say for yoga and meditation at least 1 time over a day. It works very professionally to fight chronic pain and anxiety relief.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Take doctor or healthcare provider’s advice before taking any alternative such as Prescription alternatives, natural & herbal alternative and life-based alternatives. You need to talk with your doctor and always share your health history with him. After that they decide which alternative is suitable for you.
You need to share which symptoms you are suffering from then he decides the right alternative for you.
Take doctor’s advice or instruction carefully before using it.
FAQs
1. Do the Gabapentin alternatives really work?
Yes, Gabapentin (Neurontin) alternatives like Pregabalin, Amitriptyline, and Duloxetine, etc really work for managing nerve pain and anxiety relief.
2. Which is the best way to store Gabapentin medication?
You can store it in a dark dry room with the cooling temperature and keep it far away from children.