Neuropathy (often referred to as peripheral neuropathy) is a general term describing a condition in which the nerves that carry information from the central nervous system to various parts of the body become damaged or compressed, causing numbness or tingling in the limbs, motor and balance difficulties or serious systemic problems. Medications used to treat neuropathy often target nerve cells in an effort to inhibit the chemical processes that cause pain.
Antidepressants
Although antidepressant medications are primarily used to boost moods in patients who are depressed, they might also effectively treat pain caused by neuropathy. According to the Neurology Channel, duloxetine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. The Mayo Clinic advises that this medication might be particularly effective for those with peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. Amitriptyline and nortriptyline are tricyclic antidepressants that help relieve pain by working on the chemicals and processes in the central nervous system that cause pain.
Anticonvulsants
Though not FDA-approved to treat the symptoms of neuropathy, anticonvulsants, or anti-seizure medications, might also be effective in treating nerve pain. Those sometimes prescribed for individuals with neuropathy include gabapentin, topiramate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine and phenytoin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pregabalin has also been approved by the FDA for the treatment of nerve pain caused by shingles (a blistering infection caused by the herpes zoster virus).
Topical Medications
Medications applied directly on the surface of the skin can be effective in treating certain types of neuropathy. Focal neuropathy--a condition in which a single nerve becomes damaged or compressed--might be treated with topical capsaicin cream. Because capsaicin can cause a stinging or burning sensation in the area where it is applied, it is sometimes combined with an anesthetic, according to the Neurology Channel. The topical anesthetic lidocaine is also sometimes used as a patch applied to the skin to treat areas of stinging or pain.
Analgesics
Non-narcotic analgesics such as aspirin or ibuprofen is sometimes used to treat neuropathy. However, according to the Neurology Channel, these medications are typically not effective at relieving pain, so doctors usually prescribe other medications that target nerve cells directly. Opioid analgesics (commonly referred to as narcotics) such as oxycodone, hydrocodone or fentanyl is sometimes prescribed for those with severe symptoms of pain. However, because narcotics can be habit-forming and lead to constipation and sedation, they are generally used only when other medications have failed to improve symptoms.
