One of the most effective medicines for nerve pain today is Gabapentin. As the cases of nerve pain grow rapidly, doctors are prescribing the drug more and more for patients, but in many cases, Gabapentin give birth to numerous side effects, so strong that people find it difficult to take it. Patients tend to switch to natural substitutes for Gabapentin, which are mostly natural, easily available, and are accepted by the body. It can be debated if these natural substitutes are as effective as Gabapentin, yet these substitutes cannot be ignored and should be studied thoroughly, so that one finds a cure for nerve pain other than Gabapentin, that helps them as well as the pill.
Natural Substitutes for Gabapentin: Understanding Their Benefits and Effectiveness
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant prescribed medicine used for treating nerve pain and other conditions like leg restlessness and seizures. It is also used off-label for many conditions, such as anxiety disorders, nerve pain related to diabetes, and sleeping disorders. Gabapentin is not a controlled substance generally, but one needs a doctor’s prescription to buy it. It works on certain calcium channels in our nerves, stops the overreacting nerves and gives instant relief. It is an addictive drug with high potency for abuse, which is why overdosing on it can lead to many side effects. This is why many patients prefer alternatives to Gabapentin.
Why Gabapentin Alternatives?
Patients avoid using Gabapentin for many reasons. Instead, they go for alternatives like natural substitutes or over-the-counter medications. One of those reasons is the cost. Gabapentin, with its brands like Neurotonin, Gralize and Horizant, is sold at a really high price. Another reason is that many patients do not respond to Gabapentin properly; in some way or other, their body always reacts negatively to the medication. That can be found out when the patient is seen dealing with some of the side effects of the drug, such as feeling drowsy or feeling dizzy, having nausea and vomiting, and its interaction with other drugs like opioids or alcohol can lead to serious complications.
Substitutes For Gabapentin In Nerve Pain
There are two types of substitutes that are available for gabapentin to cure nerve pain. First are the natural substitutes of gabapentin and over-the-counter substitutes for Gabapentin. There are also prescribed substitutes for Gabapentin, which doctors will definitely suggest, but they also come with their own risks and effects, like Amitriptyline, Pregabalin, Duloxetine, etc. The OTC substitutes are those which are available easily in the market, and people prefer them because its cost-effective. These include the popular analgesic pain killer Tylenol, topical creams like Lidocaine and Capsaicin and some anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen. They may not be as effective as Gabapentin, but they surely provide relief from nerve pain.
What Are The Natural Substitutes For Gabapentin?
The list is quite long for the natural substitutes, as there are many organic remedies that can help one’s nerve pain. Natural substitutes are easily available, yet they must be recommended by healthcare professionals too, as their effectiveness may vary from person to person. Let’s take a look at these natural alternatives:
- Cannabidiol / Medical Cannabis: Some studies have shown that Cannabidiol (CBD) obtained from Cannabis Sativa works well in reducing neuropathy if provided in low doses. It is also called Medical Cannabis, as it has also been used as an analgesic since ancient times.
- Magnesium: One of the best Gabapentin alternatives is Magnesium, which can be found in many foods naturally, like spinach, almonds, whole wheat, black beans, dark chocolate, etc. Magnesium is capable of helping reduce neuropathic pain, as per many studies.
- Acorus Calamus: This plant has been used by many age-old traditions to cure nerve pain. Acorus Calamus has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, which make it a good natural remedy for nerve pain.
- Ginkgo Biloba: It has been regarded as an alternative to painkillers for a long time, as it protects our nerves from any inflammation or damage, which supports the regeneration of nerves.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12, found in food items like eggs, fish, meat, yeast, dairy, etc., and its supplements, is very helpful in curing nerve pain. It is not just because it also helps in nerve regeneration, but also because it creates something called myelin, which works in protecting nerve fibres.
- Curcumin: This is found in Turmeric, and it is seen as an alternative to Gabapentin because curcumin helps in reducing radical molecules, which damage our nerve cells. Reducing the molecules helps it fight the pain.
- Acupuncture: One of the oldest ways from Chinese traditions that helps in many kinds of pain, acupuncture also helps in reducing nerve pain, making it a perfect natural substitute for Gabapentin.
Are Natural Substitutes as Effective as Gabapentin?
Even though the natural substitutes are effective in bringing relief to mild nerve pain, they cannot be as effective as Gabapentin when it comes to severe nerve pain. One might think natural alternatives are cheaper and can be readily used, but a doctor will never recommend them first-hand because they are not as effective as Gabapentin. It is specifically made and tested to treat chronic pain relief, which makes it more effective than any natural remedies. We can only say the natural substitutes are safer when they are completely regulated, like Gabapentin, which is not the case. Natural remedies can easily interact with other drugs you take, which makes them even less favourable.
Conclusion
Gabapentin is a strong painkiller, but sometimes it can have negative effects on our bodies. Natural substitutes like Cannabidiol, Magnesium and Vitamin B12 become as effective as Gabapentin to cure nerve pain. One can doubt the effectiveness of natural remedies due to their safety, yet many of these alternatives have been used for ages, which allows one to believe in these substitutes. A doctor’s recommendation is a must to use these natural substitutes.