A recent study was published about 165 diabetics who had 
experienced painful diabetic neuropathy for 1-5 years and 
were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
8 week long study. 

   According to the researchers, the patients using Neurontin 
(gabapentin) experienced a significant reduction in pain and 
interference with their sleep, leading to improved quality of
life. Some patients reported experiencing reduction of pain 
within two weeks of beginning to use Neurontin (gabapentin). 

   At the end of the study, 26% of the diabetics using Neurontin
were reportedly free of pain, compared to 15% of the patients 
who received a placebo. 
     
   Gabapentin (sold as Neurontin in the U.S. and Canada) is an 
anti-convulsant that has been used to treat epilepsy, post-polio
pain, ALS, and hemifacial spasm. 

   It is related to a chemical naturally found in the nervous
system, called gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), and does not 
interact with GABA receptors.  

   It is not appreciably metabolized in the body and is excreted 
unchanged in the kidneys.  Its half-life is 5-7 hours and is 
related to creatinine clearance, with decreased excretion in 
diabetics with kidney impairments or decreased cardiac function, 
and elderly people.  

   Among side effects that have been noted with gabapentin are: 
sleepiness, dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, nystagmus, tremor, 
weight gain, indigestion and gastrointestinal distress.   

   It is reported that its effects may be increased when used 
with alcohol.