Postherpetic neuralgia describe nerve pain that occurs in the area in which shingles previously occurred, states MedlinePlus. Shingles is a nerve infection caused by the Varicalla zoster virus. The virus infects the nerves and causes severe nerve pain. Once shingles is resolved, nerve pain along the distribution of the nerve can occur for months to years afterward; this is termed postherpetic neuralgia.
Anticonvulsants
MayoClinic.com states that certain anticonvulsant drugs can be used to treat postherpetic neuralgia. Anticonvulsants are commonly used to treat seizures, but have been found to be effective in postherpetic neuralgia as well. Specifically, gabapentin and pergabalin may be prescribed to affect nerve pain signals produced by the damaged nerve. Typically, a physician will prescribe low doses to prevent side effects that include dizziness and drowsiness. Once tolerated, the physician will likely increase the dose until nerve pain is well controlled. If side effects of anticonvulsants occur, or are poorly tolerated, a different medication may be prescribed to treat postherpetic neuralgia.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline can be prescribed to treat postherpetic neuralgia, states MayoClinic.com. These medications affect chemical signals in the brain related to pain. While effective, these medications have serious side effects, which include irregular heart beat, chest pain, nausea, sweating, numbness, headache, rash or urinary problems, states Drugs.com. If serious side effects are experienced, the doctor may adjust the dosage or prescribe a different medication to treat postherpetic neuralgia nerve pain.
Lidocaine Patches
If a patient does not want to take oral medications, she can ask the physician to prescribe a lidocaine patch that can be applied over the area of nerve pain. According to MayoClinic.com, these patches contain the an anesthetic lidocaine which passes through the skin and alters chemical signals in the damaged nerve that cause postherpetic neuralgia pain. These patches can be applied throughout the day as needed to control symptoms. The most common side effect is a skin rash. These patches only provide temporary relief, and must be replaced often to control nerve pain.
