Neuropathy, a disease or abnormality of the nervous system, is most often referred to as peripheral neuropathy. The Neuropathy Association estimated in 2010 that more than 20 million Americans suffer from some type of peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 30 percent of all neuropathies are of an unknown cause, and another 30 percent are caused by diabetes. The remaining causes include tumors, infections, autoimmune disorders and toxins. Most peripheral neuropathies cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated by identifying the underlying cause.
Anti-convulsant Drugs
Anti-convulsant drugs are used to treat the chronic pain of neuropathy and include carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine and valproic acid. Anti-convulsants work by decreasing nerve impulses and are noted to have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Peripheral neuropathy includes medical treatment with tricyclic antidepressants. These include Amitriptyline, sold under the brand names Elavil, Vanatrip and Endep; desipramine, sold as Norpramin; and imipramine, sold as Tofranil. These help elevate one's mood.
Other Antidepressants
Other antidepressants that may be used as medical treatment for neuropathy include Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Paxil and Celexa. Cymbalta, Paxil and Celexa are in a group of antidepressants called SSNRIs (selective serotonin and norephinephrine reuptake inhibitors). This medicine type is used to treat depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Wellbutrin is a mood elevator, but it is also prescribed for the treatment of pain. The American Diabetes Association reported that in 2004, the FDA approved duloxetine, an SSNRI, and pregabalin specifically for the treatment of pain associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Other Treatments
Other medical treatments may be used to reduce the effect of the underlying causes of neuropathy. Immunosuppressive drugs, such as Prednisone, Azathioprine and Cyclosporine, are an option for some diseases. These drugs reduce the inflammation that can cause pain. Another option may be plasmapheresis, the removal and cleansing of the blood of immune cells and antibodies and returning it to the body. High doses of immunoglobulins may be used to act as antibodies.
Pain Control Treatments
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke suggests that treatments for the control of neuropathy pain may include over-the-counter analgesics, antiepileptic medications and drugs to correct arrhythmias. Local anesthetic injections or patches may be successful in treating some types of pain. Surgery is an option for severe cases where nerve compression may be involved.
Narcotics and Opioids
Cancer-related peripheral neuropathy may occur as a result of some chemotherapy treatments. The American Cancer Society suggests that possible medical treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy include narcotics and opioids, such as morphine, codeine and oxycodone.
