According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), peripheral neuropathy is a condition where damage occurs to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, the part of the nervous system located outside the brain and spinal cord. The patient may have one damaged nerve, called mononeuropathy, or multiple damaged nerves, called polyneuropathy. The nerve damage can result in changes in sensation, movement or autonomic function, depending on the afflicted nerves. Medication is used to treat the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, and range from over-the-counter to prescription medications.
Topical Medication
The Mayo Clinic states peripheral neuropathy patients can use topical medications like lidocaine. Available as a patch, the medication is applied directly to the painful area; up to four patches can be used a day. Lidocaine patches can be helpful with severe peripheral neuropathy pain. A rash or skin irritation is possible from patch use.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter medication is another option, which the Mayo Clinic states can be used for mild pain; options include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. The NIH adds that over-the-counter medication may not help with severe pain, and may only provide short-term relief: patients who use over-the-counter medication to manage their peripheral neuropathy pain may find that the benefits from the medication decrease over time.
Prescription Medication
If the patient is having severe nerve pain, prescription medication can be given. The Mayo Clinic warns that prescription pain medication (e.g., codeine) can be addictive, and should be used only if other methods do not work. Anti-seizure medications, like gabapentin, topiramate, pregabalin, carbamazepine and phenytoin, are another option for pain, though these medications are also prescribed for epilepsy. A third option is antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants, like nortriptyline, decrease pain by interfering in the chemical process in the brain and spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another antidepressant, duloxetine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), helps reduce pain in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
