Nerve damage or neuropathy is loss of sensation or movement in a part of the human body. Nerve damage may occur due to certain over-the-counter or prescription medicines. The University of Chicago reports that this condition is not dangerous; however, it can be painful for the individual. Once the drugs are changed or discontinued, peripheral neuropathy usually goes away on its own, although it may take several months for it to completely heal. However, there are certain instances where the nerve damage does not recover even after discontinuing the medication. MedlinePlus reports many medications can cause nerve damage.
Medications for Heart and High Blood Pressure
Certain drugs are prescribed for individuals with heart problems. MedlinePlus states that these can cause nerve damage in the individual, but the reasons for the neuropathy are unknown. It also reports that medications prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension can also lead to neuropathy in an individual. These include amiodarone, hydralazine, indapamide and perhexiline.
Cancer Treatment Drugs
Drugs used in chemotherapy are most likely to cause nerve damage in an individual, states the University of Chicago. Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer in which cancerous cells are killed by administering certain medications. Cancer drugs that can cause nerve damage include vincristine and cisplatin. The reason for this lies in the fact that cancer drugs can potentially damage all human cells, including nerve cells.
Drugs for Infections
Certain medications prescribed for fighting infections in the human body can also cause nerve damage, reports the University of Chicago. These include drugs that are used for the treatment of leprosy, such as thalidomide. Isoniazid is a medication used for fighting infection in individuals with tuberculosis. It can also cause nerve damage, because it depletes the body of vitamin B6, which is necessary for nerve development. Other infection-fighting drugs such as metronidazole and nitrofurantoin have also been found to cause neuropathy.
HIV Drugs
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is an infection responsible for causing acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. The University of Chicago states that along with cancer drugs, the medications used for patients infected with the HIV virus are most likely to cause nerve damage. MedlinePlus states that drugs used for fighting this virus that can cause neuropathy include retrovir, videx, zerit, hivid, norvir and agenerase.
