Neuropathy is caused by nerve damage and initially results in numbness and pain in the hands and feet. Common causes of neuropathy include diabetes, traumatic injury, autoimmune diseases, toxin exposure, vitamin deficiencies and infection. If the underlying cause of neuropathy remains untreated, serious complications, such as paralysis, loss of bowel and bladder function and blindness can occur. Thus, treating the cause of neuropathy is necessary. To help a patient cope with neuropathy symptoms a doctor may prescribe analgesics that can relieve pain associated with neuropathy.
Anti-Seizure Medications
According to MayoClinic.com, a doctor may prescribe anti-seizure medications, such as gabapentin, topiramate, pregabalin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin. These medications were initially developed to treat seizures; however, researchers discovered that this group of medications is also effective in treating nerve pain. Serious side effects of anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin, include seizures, flu symptoms, confusion, tremor or easy bruising, states Drugs.com. A patient experiencing these serious side effects should stop taking anticonvulsants and seek immediate medical treatment. Other less serious side effects include drowsiness and dizziness. Thus, a patient should not drive or operate heavy machinery until he knows how he responds to these medications.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed to treat neuropathy, according to MayoClinic.com. Antidepressants interfere with chemical signals in the brain that cause a patient with neuropathy to feel pain. Thus, taking antidepressants as directed may result in a significant improvement in neuropathic pain. Common prescribed medications include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and duloxetine. Amitriptyline and nortriptyline are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and may cause serious side effects that include chest pain, irregular heart beat, numbness weakness, headache, seizures, restless muscle movements and skin rash. Duloxetine may cause stomach pain, nausea, dark urine, clay-colored stools, difficulty urinating, headache, stiff muscles or weakness. A patient experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical treatment.
Lidocaine Patch
MayoClinic.com states that a lidocaine patch may be effective in treating neuropathic pain. Lidocaine is an anesthetic, or numbing medication, that reduces pain signal transmission through nerves. A lidocaine patch is applied topically to the area that is painful. Up to four patches per day can be used to treat pain. Few side effects are associated with this treatment if used as directed on the drug label. However, a patient should let her doctor know if she develops a skin rash at the site of the patch.
