Introduction

This information is for people who have multiple sclerosis. It tells you about gabapentin, a treatment used to help muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis. It is based on the best and most up-to-date research.

Does it work?

We're not sure. Some people with multiple sclerosis (MS) find that gabapentin helps their pain, especially pain from muscle spasms.^[103] But there is no good research on whether it can help these muscle spasms.

What is it?

Gabapentin was first used to treat epilepsy. It is known as an anticonvulsant. You take it as a tablet or a capsule. The brand name is Neurontin.

How can it help?

There's no evidence that gabapentin can help muscle spasms caused by MS.

How does it work?

Doctors don't know why gabapentin should work.

Can it be harmful?

Gabapentin has many side effects that are similar to the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (for example, tiredness and shaking).^[104] But these will probably go away within a few weeks after you start taking the treatment.^[105]

Other side effects include diarrhoea, feeling sick, urinary tract infections, weight gain, and dizziness.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy before you take gabapentin.^[104] Your doctor will want to look closely at all your treatment options and decide which are safest for you and your baby.

How good is the research on gabapentin?

There isn't any evidence. We didn't find any good studies that looked at how gabapentin can treat muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.

Glossary

diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is when you have loose, watery stools and you need to go to the toilet far more often than usual. Doctors say you have diarrhoea if you need to go to the toilet more than three times a day.

urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria invade the walls of your urinary tract, which includes your kidneys, bladder and urethra. An uncomplicated UTI is one that involves your bladder and urethra, but not your kidneys. A complicated UTI involves your kidneys and can be harder to treat. Doctors may refer to a kidney infection as pyelonephritis.

For more terms related to Multiple sclerosis

Citations