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In the year 1994 FDA approved the use of the drug Gabapentin –
Neurontin, in the US, for the treatment and/or control of partial
seizures. During 2002, permission was increased to the extent of
treating many other disorders that include the treatment for
postherpetic neuralgia. This involved the pain experienced by
patients following series of nerve related pains and shingles.
Certain unofficial clinical trials have shown Gabapentin to give
results in the avoidance of frequent migraine attacks.
The sale of this drug is allowed in a number of countries. However,
its unconventional uses for these types of conditions are
increasingly controversial. There are certain claims that Neurontin
acts as a mood calmer and it has lesser side effects than valproic
acid and lithium. Some clinical trials showed that bi polar
anomalies might be promisingly treated through Gabapentin. However,
currently, numerous advanced trials illustrate that Neurontin was
not more effective than a placebo. Despite this scientifically
proven evidence, that Gabapentin is not for treatment for bipolar
disorders, a lot of physicians continuously prescribe this pill for
the same purpose.
Pfizer, the manufacturer of the drug manages to look out for future
sales well because the Gabapentin affects chemicals and nerves in
the body that involve the cause of seizures and some types of pain.
The exact way it works in the body is still unknown.
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