Neuropathic pain is caused by dysfunctional nerves that have been damaged by disease, trauma or toxins. While nerve pain is difficult to manage, there are several treatment options for people seeking relief.
Anti-Convulsants
Several anti-seizure drugs are used to treat neuropathic pain. The most popular and effective of the group is Gabapentin, sold under the brand name Neurontin. First developed to treat seizures in patients with epilepsy, Neurontin works on a broad range of neurophatic pain, including diabetic neuropathy, and has few side effects other than drowsiness. Phenytoin (Dilantin) and Carbamazepine (Tegretol) are two other anti-seizure drugs that are used to treat some types of pain, but work best on conditions that involve cranial nerve damage.
Anti-Depressants
Several anti-depressants are used to treat neuropathic pain. Cymbalta, which treats depression by balancing the amount of serotonin and norepineprhine in the brain, is now commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain because its effect on brain chemistry also dulls pain receptors. Several Tricyclic anti-depressant drugs (TCAs) are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. A drug called amitriptyline produces good results but also has significant side effects, including memory loss and heart problems. Another TCA called Desipramine is not quite as effective but causes fewer side effects and is often prescribed as a replacement for amitriptyline. A newer drug called Effexor has also shown promise in treating neuropathic pain.
Opiates and Pain Relievers
Neuropathic pain is usually too severe to be treated with over-the-counter analgesics and doctors often prescribe opiates for pain management. The drugs used to treat neuropathic pain include morphine, oxycodone, fetanyl and tramadol. While opiates are an effective way to treat pain, there is always the risk of abuse and addiction. Topical drugs not taken internally are also used in some cases. They include a local anesthetic called lidocaine, which is available in patch form under the brand name Lidoderm. While narcotics provide effective relief, physicians look to anti-depressants and anti-seizure drugs as the first line of defense against neuropathic pain.
Tags: neuropathic pain, used treat, anti-seizure drugs, side effects, treat neuropathic