Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a common disorder of the nerves affecting more than 20 million Americans, according to The Neuropathy Association. Neuropathy occurs due to damage to the peripheral nerves, which are any of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The Neuropathy Association reports that approximately 30 percent of all neuropathy cases are caused by diabetes, while another 30 percent are due to other diseases or disorders, and the final 30 percent are due to unknown causes. Most cases of peripheral neuropathy cannot be cured; however, the majority can be controlled with the right medications.
Pain Relievers
Pain is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy. This may be attributed to type of nerves that are damaged. If the sensory nerves that are responsible for carrying pain signals to the brain are damaged, the brain may perceive pain even in the absence of a stimulus or trigger of pain.
In order to treat mild to moderate pain caused by neuropathy, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be effective. More severe pain may require prescription narcotic pain relievers such as codeine.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsant medications typically prescribed to treat epileptic seizures can be effective in reducing the pain caused by neuropathy. Medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin bind to the calcium channels, which are cell membranes that are specifically permeable to calcium, found at the nerve synapses (where two nerves join). These drugs inhibit the release of neurotransmitters resulting in a reduced sensation of pain.
Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, are considered a first line of defense when treating neuropathy, according to the Pain Research and Management Journal. The specific mechanism of action for how these drugs relieve neuropathy pain is not known; however, these medications block the absorption of serotonin and noradrenalin, two chemicals in the brain.
Lidocaine
Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic that can reduce neuropathic pain by blocking nerve conduction. Lidocaine is absorbed into the cell membranes and blocks the sodium channel, which inhibits the nerves from sending signals, including pain signals. Lidocaine may be used as a topical cream or as a patch that can be applied to a localized area of severe pain. The advantage of lidocaine is that is works quickly and produces very few side effects.
