Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Drugs

Millions of American suffer from peripheral neuropathy. The pain can be so severe that many simply cannot live normal lives. However, there are medications that can be used to help alleviate the symptoms.

Cause

• According to the Mayo Clinic, peripheral neuropathy is caused by nerve damage. This results in tingling and burning, typically in the hands and feet.

Anti-Depressants

• According to drugs.com, anti-depressants such as Cymbalta, which affect two neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine, show efficacy in treating the disorder.

GABA

• Drugs like Lyrica affect GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, directly related to sleep. The medications soothe nerves and help alleviate neuropathic pain.

Pain Medications

• Pain medications like opioids are also used to treat neuropathy but have strong addiction potential as well as side effects. These medications can be used for severe pain, but these effects should be considered.

Anti-Convulsants

• Exactly how anti-convulsant drugs work is unclear. It is widely believed they block sodium channels in the brain, which slows down the activity of nerve cells. These drugs may also keep pain signals from reaching other parts of the brain, according to emedtv.com.

Tips

• Whichever medication the patient and physician decide upon, education about the disease is key before the patient begins any medication regimen.