What exactly is Neurontin prescribed for because it was prescribed to my mother for sciatic pain?

It isn't an analgesic. Its used for nerve pain. It might help neck and low back pain if its caused by nerves. It can be used for any kind of nerve pain.

Hello Pricerick. Neurontin is technically an anti epileptic drug, but is indicated for use in nerve pain such as the sciatic pain your mother experiences. I have been on Neurontin for nearly two years myself. It seems to work a little for my sciatica, but not as much as I had hoped since I have severe nerve damage. I wish you the best and hope that your mother finds relief soon :)

Hi, I agree with the others. I have been on Gabapentin ( Neurontin ) for about 6 months now, I take it for nerve damage/pain in my foot. I have CRPS a nerve disease. It is helping me, it dosen't take all the pain away but helps to have somewhat of a normal life. Hope your mother feel better soon.

I'm on only 200mgs a day since when they cirst put me on it at a higher dosage I had terrible edema. I didn't even think it may help with sciatica, I hope it does for her, it doesn't touch mine.

I have been on Gabapentin for a while now. I am taking it for the nueropathy in my legs and feet. It helps a little but I'm still having edema in my feet and legs which I didn't have before. I hope someone can come up with something better.

The main use for Neurontin, that I know of, is to help alleviate Nerve Pain. I'd taken it for many years, 600 mg. 4X a day. It does work great for nerve pain due to chronic pain, diabetic neuropathy pain, which is why my mother takes it!

It helps with nerve pain - sciatica is often caused by nerve pain. It won't help any joint pain. If side effects are too severe, there are other meds in this category (insurance companies usually want you to try Neurontin first, as it is cheaper). The other nerve pain meds are Lyrica (very similar to Neurontin), Cymbalta (which is also an antidepressant), and Savella. Regards - EJ23