Pain in the nerves, commonly referred to as neuropathy or neuropathic pain refers to the pain-producing sensations that surround the nerves. There are a variety of treatment options offered, including anticonvulsants mild opioids, certain antidepressants and some topical treatments.
Scientists define nerve neuropathy or pain as any condition where the patient has suffered nerve damage.
This article focuses on the primary types of medication for neuropathy and outlines those that have the best positive outcomes. Also, it examines what scientific research says regarding nonpharmacological treatment options for this condition.
Anticonvulsants are the first-line medication to aid in managing the symptoms of seizures including epilepsy.
As an
2022 review
Explains, these drugs be effective in a variety of ways. A key mechanism is the ion channel, they are cell-based components that control cell function by permitting mineral ions to enter and out.
A
2017 paper
The evidence suggests that certain anticonvulsants are one of the most effective treatments for pain caused by neuropathy. The first-line medications for neuropathy act on specific ion channels which transmit calcium ions. They comprise gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica).
While they can be efficient, they can have adverse side effects.
A
2019 review
The following list of possible adverse effects that could be a result of pregabalin and gabapentin:
Gabapentin may also cause blurred vision. Pregabalin may cause weight gain.
It is recommended to consult with a physician if they observe these symptoms following taking anticonvulsants.
Scientists
Also, consider antidepressants to be the first-line treatment option for nerve pain. The most effective antidepressants for neuropathic pain are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
But, these drugs
is also possible to create
side effects.
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is an TCA that helps people deal with nerve pain. However, it could cause a variety of undesirable effects, such as:
In rare instances, patients may suffer adverse reactions to taking amtriptyline. This could include:
Duloxetine and Venlafaxine
Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor). A
Study of 2018
The study showed that duloxetine was better than venlafaxine when it comes to reducing the effects of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapy.
However, these medicines could cause adverse negative side effects.
Duloxetine can trigger:
- constipation
- dry mouth
-
problems in dealing with:
- Balance
- walking
- Speaking
- swallowing
The potential side negative effects of venlafaxine could include:
Patients should consult an experienced doctor if they’re having side effects that are impacting their lives.
Experts
You should consider certain opioids as an option for treatment as a second-line. An
2022 review
Notes that opioids work on potassium and calcium Ion channels to cause reduction in pain.
Tramadol (Ultram) Tramadol (Ultram) and tapentadol (Nucynta) both are both opioids that may help treat the pain of neuropathic disorders. There is evidence that both drugs can trigger negative side effects, some which are severe. This includes:
Doctors are less likely to recommend stronger opioids to treat neuropathy pain. The most potent opioids for neuropathy are Oxcodone and morphine, which have similar adverse effects to the ones mentioned previously mentioned.
Morphine is also known to cause dizziness and cause breathing difficulties. There is also the risk of dependence, tolerance, or misuse, possibly leading to an addiction to opioids.
It is imperative to seek medical attention immediately If these drugs affect their breathing or are causing serious adverse side effects. It is essential to adhere to the prescribed dosage.
Topical treatments consist of creams, ointments, and patches that patients can put onto their face. The active ingredients of these products will travel through the skin to the body, and there they will influence the nerves.
The possibilities
This includes
lidocaine is a kind of local anesthesia as well as capsaicin patch.
Lidocaine causes pain relief by
acting
on sodium Ion channels. But, lidocaine patches may cause erythema, a rash and itching.
Research
Also, research has shown that capsaicin is present naturally within chili peppers can affect calcium as well as sodium Ion channels. Similar to lidocaine patches can cause itching and erythema. In rare instances they could also trigger discomfort and elevated blood pressure.
Find out about the top capsaicin creams.
In certain cases of neuropathy, doctors may suggest that a patient utilize multiple medicines at once. However, the evidence supporting the efficacy of combining therapy is not conclusive.
A
2017 study
It is suggested that certain combinations of drugs could be beneficial. For instance, using an anticonvulsant such as pregabalin or gabapentin, in conjunction with an TCA antidepressant might have more effect than using any of the two drugs on their own.
Combining various drugs can provide an improvement in pain relief and tolerability.
But, enough evidence has yet to establish that combination therapy is more effective than monotherapies.
Despite the advancements in medical science that have improved the treatment of neuropathy may be efficient in less than half of the cases. This is why many patients seek alternative treatments for this problem.
There is no evidence that nonpharmaceuticals can be helpful in this regard.
But, a
the most recent treatment review
Research suggests the possibility that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy can ease nerve pain in situations in which pharmaceutical treatments have proved not to work. SCS therapy is the process of stimulating the patient’s spinal cord using electrical impulses. Doctors can achieve this by inserting tiny electrodes in the spine with either the procedure or an epidural needle.
Doctors can prescribe a variety of medical treatment options to treat nerve pain, such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants as well as opioids, and topical medication.
In certain instances they might recommend several treatments simultaneously. However, research hasn’t determined if it’s more effective than just one treatment.
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