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Gabapentin is a medication that has been approved to help prevent seizures in people with epilepsy and to treat nerve pain caused by shingles. Gabapentin is also sometimes used to prevent or treat migraine headaches. This is because Gabapentin belongs to the class of anticonvulsants, which calm nerve impulses and thereby may help prevent migraine attacks.1. How does gabapentin work to prevent migraine attacks?
Gabapentin's role in preventing migraines is not well known. It has been hypothesized that the drug Gabapentin may affect electrical activity in the brain through neurotransmitters and block calcium channels, similar to the mechanism in postherpetic neuralgia. This may also be a factor in reducing excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate. However, more studies need to be done to determine the mechanism of Gabapentin in the treatment of migraine.In general, Gabapentin is not used as a primary therapy to prevent migraines, but as an adjunct to other therapies.
Medicines used to prevent migraine attacks differ from those used to treat migraines with acute attacks. Medicines that prevent migraine symptoms, such as Gabapentin, must be taken continuously for them to work.
2. Information on Gabapentin for Migraines
Gabapentin dosages for migraines range from 300 to 3,600 milligrams (mg) per day, depending on your age and other health factors.Gabapentin for migraine prevention can be taken with or without food and comes as an extended-release tablet, an immediate-release tablet, or an oral solution.
Side effects of gabapentin include:
Vision changes such as blurred vision Abnormal eye movements Ataxia (loss of coordination) Swelling in the limbs or feet
3. Clinical trials and studies of gabapentin in the treatment of migraine
Results from several clinical trials show a benefit of using Gabapentin to prevent migraines. However, in 2013, the American Academy of Neurology stated that there is not enough evidence at this time to support the use of gabapentin to prevent migraines.More recent data support the use of gabapentin when other preventive therapies have not been effective or as an adjunct treatment.
A 2016 study found evidence that the drug Gabapentin is beneficial for headache syndromes, but it is still not recommended as a primary therapy.
Bottom line, if you're experiencing migraine attacks or your current treatments aren't working, talk to your doctor about migraine prevention options. Your doctor knows your medical history and can help you find a treatment plan that's right for you. Although your doctor may prescribe Gabapentin for migraine headaches, it's still a good idea to try commonly used migraine-preventing medications first if they haven't been prescribed.
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