Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain is a challenging disease that harms one’s quality of life significantly.
It is caused by damage to or injury of the nerves and also from damage to the brain itself, causing abnormal signals to be transmitted to the brain.
Managing nerve pain requires treatments that focus on the underlying causes and provide relief.
Here we will cover two popular and effective choices for managing nerve pain – Gabapentin and CBD Oil for nerve pain.
We will also take you through the world of nerve pain management and touch upon the differences between CBD and gabapentin as potential remedies.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a natural cannabinoid found in the hemp (cannabis) plant. It’s one of the 100+ cannabinoids in cannabis that is known for its therapeutic benefits and is one of the most popular.
Research shows that CBD may be effective in addressing pain, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, inflammation, and more without producing any intoxicating effects.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a medication in the anticonvulsant drug class that is commonly prescribed to manage nerve (neuropathic) pain.
However originally developed to treat seizures, it is used for treating nerve pain and restless leg syndrome.
It works by modulating the activities of ion channels and certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, which can reduce the transmission and perception of pain signals.
What is Nerve Pain and What are the Causes of Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain also called neuralgia is a pain that is caused by damage to or the injury of the nerves. It may also arise from damage to the brain itself, causing abnormal signals to be transmitted to the brain. It is commonly felt as a shooting, stabbing, or burning sensation.
The various causes of nerve pain are diabetes, sclerosis, stroke, cancer, sciatica, fibromyalgia, etc.
Here are some treatments for nerve pain:
- Physical therapy
- Relaxation therapy
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Medicines such as gabapentin, pregabalin, topiramate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine.
How Does CBD Help With Nerve Pain?
Here are some notable ways in which CBD helps with nerve pain:
Anti-inflammatory properties
CBD can relieve inflammation that sometimes contributes to increasing nerve pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Inflammation can pressurize nerves and cause pain, and CBD’s ability to relieve inflammation may rid the patient of this discomfort.
Interaction with the endocannabinoid system
CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain perception, inflammation, and other physiological procedures.
By modulating the activity of this system, CBD may reduce the transmission of pain signals and relieve neuropathic pain.
Neuroprotective effects
CBD may also have neuroprotective effects which let it protect and support the nerve cells. This quality may benefit in cases of neuropathy or nerve damage, as it can help in the regeneration and repair of damaged nerves.
Analgesic Properties
CBD has been found to possess analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, which may be clinical for managing chronic neuropathic pain issues, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, and certain kinds of cancer-related nerve pain.
Minimal Side Effects
As a result of the benefits, CBD has some common side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite, but these side effects are usually mild compared to traditional treatments.
How Does Gabapentin Help With Nerve Pain?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that was originally developed to treat epilepsy. It’s prescribed to treat different kinds of pain and works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain that may lead to nerve pain.
It has also been found to be effective in managing various other medical conditions such as neuropathic pain, restless legs syndrome, and seizures.
Gabapentin is available in both generic and brand-name formulations and has become popular due to its efficacy and lower risk of abuse.
Here’s how it does it:
Modulation of calcium channels
Gabapentin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, which are involved in the release of neurotransmitters that lead to pain signalling.
By doing this, gabapentin can reduce the release of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, which can decrease the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain.
Inhibition of neuronal excitability
Gabapentin can also reduce the hyperexcitability of neurons resulting in controlling pain signals and alleviating discomfort. It does that by interacting with the calcium channels in the brain and has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials.
Modulation of neurotransmitter release
Gabapentin may modulate the release of other neurotransmitters involved in pain signalling, such as norepinephrine and substance P, which can contribute to its analgesic effects.
Central sensitization reduction
Neuropathic pain often comes with central sensitization, where the central nervous system becomes extremely sensitive to pain signals. Gabapentin may decrease this central sensitization, making the body less reactive to pain.
Potential Side Effects
In spite of all the benefits mentioned above, you should keep in mind that gabapentin also comes with its potential side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of concentration. In some cases, users may also struggle with mood changes and weight gain.
CBD vs. Gabapentin: Is CBD Alternatives to Gabapentin for Nerve Pain?
No, CBD is not an alternative to gabapentin for nerve pain. In fact, it should be used to supplement gabapentin, rather than trying to replace it.
CBD functions differently than gabapentin and neither of them is more effective. Instead, both play an important role in managing your nerve pain.
While gabapentin brings more intense pain relief than CBD, the latter provides subtle relaxation along with other benefits such as inflammation and improved sleep.
Because of these reasons, CBD can limit the amount of gabapentin you take, but it can’t replace prescriptions altogether.
Here are a few factors in which they differ:
Mechanism of Action
CBD oil targets the endocannabinoid system whereas gabapentin works with the calcium channels in the brain. Both mechanisms have shown promise in managing nerve pain, but they both work in a different manner.
Side Effects
CBD oil for nerve pain has fewer and milder side effects than gabapentin. However, responses may vary, and some people may face adverse effects.
Drug Interactions
Both CBD oil and gabapentin may interact with other medicines in different ways. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before mixing any treatments to stay away from any potential adverse reactions.
Can CBD Cause Drug Interactions with Gabapentin?
Before you include CBD or any other substance in your regimen, it’s very important to know whether it will react with the medicines you are already taking or not. CBD does react with some drugs, but not Gabapentin.
This is because Gabapentin is not transformed by the body in a way that it can be easily eliminated, and it does not need to be broken down by liver enzymes.
This is usually where CBD can cause issues: by inhibiting liver enzymes, CBD prevents drugs from breaking down, making them build up in the liver in what can sometimes be toxic concentrations.
But as Gabapentin is not metabolized, it is not risky to use it in conjunction with CBD.
How to Take CBD for Nerve Pain?
Here are various ways in which you can take CBD for nerve pain:
Vaping
Vaping is the quickest way to take CBD for nerve pain but not the most effective. People inhale CBD only when they need quick relief from anxiety, muscle spasms, etc. Inhaling CBD isn’t also very safe for lungs so it should generally be avoided.
Sublingual (Under the Tongue)
Sublingual and oral CBD forms take longer to show their effects but once they take control, are quite effective. Because of this, they may be a suitable choice for chronic pain and other symptoms that need long-lasting treatment.
Oral (Capsules or Food-based Edibles)
Don’t find the taste of CBD oil too amusing? Not a problem. CBD edibles and drinks are here for the rescue. Although they take more time to show their effects, they are quite effective.
Topical (Cream or Lotion)
Topical CBD products work directly on the surface of the skin, making themselves the best bet for skin-related issues.
Transdermal Patches, Gels, and Creams
Transdermal patches, gels, and creams are great for managing muscle and/or joint pain as they are formulated in a way that they will pass through the skin into the bloodstream.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is hemp extract and carrier oil. Unlike edibles, it is taken sublingually (under the tongue), instead of being swallowed. Just put the CBD oil for nerve pain under your tongue, wait for a few minutes for it to absorb, and enjoy the effects in about 10-15 minutes.
Soft Gels
Digestible gel capsules having CBD oil inside them are soft gel capsules. They are a quick and easy way to take CBD and you will feel the effects within an hour.
What is the Recommended Dosage of CBD for Nerve Pain?
The recommended dosage of CBD for nerve pain is below 100 mg per day till your system adjusts to it. After that, you can increase the dosage as required.
However, to accurately determine your CBD dosage for nerve pain, you can use the following formula:
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your CBD dose in mg
We are suggesting this weight-based formula instead of standard dosage sizes as the amount of CBD you will need to experience optimal results depends on your weight.
Conclusion
So finally should you replace gabapentin with CBD for managing nerve pain? As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t. Rather, using CBD to reduce the amount of gabapentin you take is a great idea as doing it will give you a better quality of life.
Although each option has its advantages and potential drawbacks, CBD may be a better choice for those seeking a more natural approach with fewer side effects, whereas gabapentin, though effective, may come with notable side effects.
Ultimately, the choice between CBD Oil vs Gabapentin for nerve pain will depend on individual preferences, medical history, and the advice of a healthcare professional.
FAQs About CBD Oil vs. Gabapentin for Nerve Pain
Is CBD good for nerve pain?
While a lot of studies have explored the potential pain-relieving effects of CBD, it’s hard to claim CBD’s efficacy in treating nerve pain and inflammation fully.
However it surely is beneficial for patients dealing with different kinds of pain such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain.
Can I take CBD with gabapentin for pain?
Yes, you can take CBD with gabapentin without any risk of negative interactions. However, it is not recommended to combine them without consulting a healthcare professional.
What is the difference between CBD oil and gabapentin?
There’s just a simple difference between gabapentin and CBD oil i.e. CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system whereas gabapentin binds to calcium channels to decrease neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability.
Can CBD help with neuropathy?
Yes, there is anecdotal evidence that CBD products such as inhaled herbal cannabis, sprays, and tablets help with neuropathy. However, it can’t be claimed that they are effective for chronic neuropathic pain also.
How long does it take for CBD oil to relieve nerve pain?
The time it takes for CBD oil to relieve nerve pain varies from person to person. However, users may start to feel the CBD oil for nerve pain effects in about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Does CBD cream help with nerve pain?
Yes CBD cream helps with nerve pain by reducing the intensity of the pain, aiding sleep, and lessening the pain’s psychological effects.
CBD does that by stimulating the body to use its own cannabinoids more effectively to block pain and other uncomfortable sensations associated with it.