If you experience nerve pain, neuropathy, or neuropathic pain, several medications can help ease your discomfort. Doctors can recommend various drugs and, in some cases, they may prescribe a combination of them to treat your nerve pain.
The medications doctors typically recommend include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and pain relievers, such as mild opioids. It’s important to know that opioids can be habit-forming, so they should only be used as a short-term treatment option.
Doctors can advise the most appropriate medication to treat nerve pain depending on the location and severity of your discomfort.
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Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are medications that doctors typically prescribe to manage seizure disorders, including epilepsy. These medications work in several ways. They change how ion channels within your cells work, which affects how ions go in and out of the cells.
Anticonvulsants are one of the most effective medications for treating nerve pain. Examples include pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin).
These medications are typically very effective in treating nerve pain, but they may cause side effects, such as:
- lethargy
- blurred vision
- vertigo
- weight gain
- swelling in the legs
To learn more about Lyrica’s side effects, see this article. For details about gabapentin’s side effects, check out this article. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Antidepressants
Some antidepressants are approved to help treat nerve pain. The most effective antidepressant medications for neuropathy include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta)andvenlafaxine (Effexor XR).
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may also be prescribed and include amitriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressants may reduce nerve pain by disrupting the pain signals sent to the brain.
However, antidepressants can cause side effects. These may vary depending on the medication you take.
SNRI side effects may include:
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- constipation
- dizziness
- agitation and anxiousness
- fatigue
- headache
Side effects of TCAs may include:
- constipation
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- dry mouth
- difficulty passing urine
- drowsiness
- weight gain
- excessive sweating, especially at night
- heart palpitations
- increased heartbeat (tachycardia)
- irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Not every antidepressant works the same way and has the same effects. While certain medications may quickly improve your nerve pain, others may be less effective. To learn more about how different types of antidepressants are used for pain, see this article.
Pain relief medications
Opioid medications are some of the strongest drugs for nerve pain. However, opioids are not typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for pain management. Due to the risks of misuse and addiction, doctors typically only prescribe an opioid if other treatments aren’t possible or effective.
Pain relief medications for nerve pain may include drugs, such as:
- tapentadol (Nucynta)
- tramadol
- morphine (Duramorph)
- oxycodone (OxyContin)
These medications may cause side effects, including:
- lethargy
- constipation
- nausea or vomiting
- seizures
- dizziness
- breathing difficulties
If your doctor prescribes an opioid for your nerve pain, it’s important to take it exactly as prescribed.
Topical medications
Topical medications, such as ointments, patches, and creams are medications that you apply to your skin. They contain active ingredients that are absorbed through your skin and into your body to help manage nerve pain. Substances, such as lidocaine and capsaicin, can provide pain relief by numbing the parts of your body where they are applied.
An example includes the topical capsaicin patch, Qutenza.
Lidocaine and capsaicin may cause side effects, including:
- skin rash
- itching
- erythema (skin discoloration)
What are the risk factors for nerve pain?
One of the most common causes of nerve pain is peripheral neuropathy. This is nerve damage that can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in parts of the body. Without treatment, it can lead to severe complications.
Certain conditions can increase your risk of nerve damage and nerve pain, including:
If you have questions about your risk of developing nerve pain, talk with your doctor. They can discuss your specific risk factors for neuropathy and suggest ways to help manage them.
How to choose the right medication for you
A doctor can advise you about the potential side effects and benefits of the treatment options for neuropathy that are suitable for your individual needs.
They can address any concerns about the treatment options and recommend the most appropriate nerve pain treatment depending on your symptoms and health conditions.
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Summary
Several treatment options are available to help manage nerve pain. The first-line treatment options for neuropathy typically include anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Topical treatments may also be effective in improving your symptoms.
Doctors may prescribe multiple treatments at the same time to provide you with a better pain management plan. At low doses, this may help reduce the risk of side effects.
