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Does Gabapentin Help Cure Diabetic Neuropathy?

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Posted on Tue, 25 Jul 2017
Question: I am not a dietbetic. I have neuropathy in my feet and legs but only at night. Why rx gabapentin?
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Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (30 minutes 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
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

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

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2413 Questions

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Does Gabapentin Help Cure Diabetic Neuropathy?

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