How can anticonvulsants help with Pain relief?

Anticonvulsants are drugs are used to treat patients with seizure disorders, mania or bipolar disorders. Recently, some of these anticonvulsants have shown to be helpful as pain relievers as well.  Although it is not exactly clear as how anticonvulsants work to minimize pain, it has been suggested that they may inhibit the pain signals retrieved from the brain. This can cause the perception of pain to diminish and minimize the effects of nerves that cause pain.

Some of the common anticonvulsants that can be prescribed as pain medications include Neurontin, Tegretol, and Lyrica. Some of the common side-effects that may follow the doses of anticonvulsants may include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight gain or weight loss, skin rashes, and sometimes, swollen feet.

Anticonvulsants are to be taken in slow does initially, and then gradually increased until the pain is effectively reduced. Anticonvulsants are not recommended for everyone. There have also been suggestions regarding the tendency of suicide or suicidal thoughts with the use of anticonvulsants. Therefore, people taking anticonvulsants should be watched closely for such risks.

It is better to consult a doctor before taking anticonvulsants for pain relief. Other alternatives for pain relief may be considered first before deciding to go for anticonvulsants.