Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a common symptom associated with peripheral neuropathy and can be as or more disabling than the effects of nerve damage from the neuropathy. Though treatment of the underlying pathophysiology causing neuropathies may not be possible, treatment of neuropathic pain is. The author reviews the major medications used, dosing schedules, and data from randomized controlled trials.
Introduction
Neuropathic pain is a common symptom expressed by patients who have a variety of causes for their neuropathy. It is thought to be due to pathologic changes in, or damage to, neurons in the peripheral or central nervous system. This disrupts the normal pain signaling process and can cause sensitization or spontaneous neuronal activity in the nervous system. The neural activity is perceived as pain. There are effective medications available for the treatment of neuropathic pain; however, many patients do not achieve a satisfactory response or experience intolerable side effects. Several organizations have published guidelines for the pharmacologic management of neuropathic pain. These guidelines are fairly consistent and emphasize the importance of medication efficacy, patient comorbidities, potential side effects and drug interactions, abuse potential, and cost when considering a medication for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The data for a large number of drugs used to treat neuropathic pain are reviewed and suggestions to optimize patient use and effect are provided. Several drugs will be discussed for off-label indications. See Table 1 for a summary of medications commonly used in the treatment of neuropathic pain.