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Medicines for Diabetic Nerve Pain

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. Symptoms of neuropathy include pain, numbness and tingling. Hands and feet are most often affected, but nerve damage can also affect every organ system, including the heart and the digestive tract. There is no cure for diabetic neuropathy, so medications are intended to reduce symptoms, relieve pain and manage complications.

  1. Anti-seizure Medications

    • Anti-seizure medications provide relief from neuropathic pain in some people. These medications were originally designed for people who have epilepsy. Since these drugs have nerve-calming qualities, they may provide pain relief caused by nerve damage. Examples of these medications include Neurontin, Lyrica and Tegretol. Medications in this category may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

    Antidepressants

    • Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, provide relief for mild to moderate diabetic nerve pain, but also have quite a few side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, headache, weight gain, nausea and weakness. Antidepressants classified as SSRIs, such as Paxil and Prozac, have fewer side effects but aren't as effective in treating neuropathic pain.

    Analgesics

    • Pain medications, also known as analgesics, may work for some people on a short-term basis. For most people with neuropathy, they provide little or no relief. Examples of these medications are aspirin and ibuprofen. Prescription analgesics, such as codeine or oxycodone, may be prescribed for severe pain, but this type of medication has serious side effects, including the potential of addiction.

    Topical Treatments

    • Topical treatments may provide some short-term relief of pain. The most well-known of these is the lidocaine patch in which the topical anesthetic lidocaine is applied at the location of your most severe pain. Capsaicin creams, such as Zostrix, may reduce the sensation of pain in some people.

    Considerations

    • Your doctor may recommend a combination of medications to try to control the symptoms of your neuropathic pain. Keep in mind that good glucose control is the most important thing you can do to prevent further nerve damage.

    Alternative Medicine

    • An antioxidant found in food called alpha-lipoic acid has been found to be helpful in reducing the pain of diabetic neuropathy. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, research using an intravenous form of this antioxidant has been shown to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain. It is not yet known for sure whether over-the-counter supplements have the same effect. Some studies have also shown evening primrose oil may lead to improved nerve conduction.

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