Pharmaceuticals for Peripheral Neuropathy
f you have neuropathy (of any variety), you are well aware of how debilitating and infuriating it can be. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but a number of medications can help alleviate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. (12)
Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and analgesics are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for peripheral neuropathy.
Anticonvulsant medications
Anticonvulsants, which are medications used to treat convulsions, are one possible treatment for peripheral neuropathy. These medications may be beneficial for those with PN because they reduce nerve irritation and inflammation. Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), and carbamazepine (Tegretol) are commonly used.
Gabapentin – Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication used to treat nerve pain and seizures. A recent study found that consuming gabapentin at night reduced pain and tingling symptoms more effectively than placebo. It was also determined that gabapentin was safe and well tolerated.
Pregabalin — Pregabalin is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of seizures and fibromyalgia. It has also been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy. It functions by inhibiting brain receptors involved in the perception of pain. This reduces the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain.
Antidepressant medications
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, but they can also be beneficial in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. They function by inhibiting certain pain-related receptors in the brain. This reduces the discomfort and pain induced by peripheral neuropathy.
It is possible to treat peripheral neuropathy with various antidepressants. SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), are the most prevalent.
The SSRIs
Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been found to be effective in the treatment of certain forms of peripheral neuropathy. A study (clinical trial) published in the journal Neurology examined the effects of SSRIs on diabetic neuropathy and discovered that they can alleviate symptoms such as foot and hand pain, paralysis, and tingling.
163 participants were randomly assigned to receive either an SSRI or a placebo for a period of 12 weeks. In comparison to those who received a placebo, those who received an SSRI had significantly decreased pain scores. In addition, there was a trend towards improvement in additional neuropathy measures, including numbness and trembling.
The medication duloxetine is used to treat peripheral neuropathy. It is a member of the subclass of medications known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is believed to function by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are compounds that aid in nerve cell communication.
The FDA has authorised duloxetine for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. It is available as a tablet for oral administration. To treat peripheral neuropathy, duloxetine may be administered alone or in combination with other drugs, such as painkillers.
