Management of Neuropathic Pain

This article is all about how neuropathic pain is currently managed and is useful because it explains in one go, how and why the various types of drugs are used. It comes from a commercial Pain Management Centre,(see link below) with no traceable home address on the website and the only contact possibility being a toll-free number. That makes you immediately suspicious but the article is factually correct and therefore of value. It is also true that private, specialist, American health care clinics abound and this sort of advertising is commonplace - in this case, there is no reason to doubt their intentions but contacting them is of course, your own choice.
The lists of medications may also be different to those you are used to and several commonly prescribed medications seem to be missing but can of course be found in other posts here on the Blog or website.

Management of Neuropathic Pain

Today, there is no efficient way to treat neuropathic pain. Because each patient reacts differently to their problem, it usually takes a combination of different pharmacologic treatments. Recently, science has made headway into understanding neuropathic pain by using randomized controlled trials to provide some sort of guideline for treatment.

Antidepressant Pain Treatment

Although an antidepressant may seem odd for treating pain, it is the forerunner in managing neuropathy. Antidepressants work differently for pain sufferers than people that are treated for depression by activating descending norepinephrinergic and seretonergic signals through the spinal cord, limiting pain signals to the brain. People that are prescribed antidepressants for their pain management treatment
may not have suffered from depression.

Below are common antidepressants prescribed for neuropathic pain management:
■Duloxetine
■Venlafaxine
■Milnacipran

Also, tricyclic antidepressants can also work through sodium channels of peripheral nerves.

Anticonvulsant Pain Treatment

Where an antidepressant may work through sodium channels on nerves, anticonvulsants work both through sodium and calcium channels by blocking their neurons.

Below are common anticonvulsant drugs prescribed for neuropathic pain management:
■Neurontin
■Lyrica
■Tegretol
■Trileptol
■Lamotrigine

Opioid (Narcotic) Pain Treatment

Narcotics usually aren’t the first treatment for neuropathic pain but are still
prescribed for their combination and effectiveness. Although opioids are powerful painkillers, patients must exercise extreme care and supervision because of their tendency to be addictive.

Below are common opioid drugs prescribed for neuropathic pain management:
■Methadone
■Ketobemidone

Topical Pain Treatment

Topical pain relievers are typically modest, although they are still prescribed. Lidocaine is the most common including a transdermal patch. Capsaicin may also be prescribed and can help by reversing the degeneration of epidermal nerve fibers.

Cannabinoid Pain Treatment

The active ingredient in marijuana (THC) and its use is one of the more controversial subjects of neuropathic pain treatment. Because it is illegal, marijuana has a harder time finding prominence among medical context.

Neuropathic Pain Management Dependence

Fortunately, the best treatments for neuropathic pain are antidepressants, however doctors can and will prescribe opioids and/or marijuana where it is legal if additional options are needed. Patients who are prescribed these types of treatment need to take care to tell someone about their program. Narcotics and marijuana use can lead to extreme dependence and addiction, and can lead to more powerful drugs that can further damage the body, creating more problems outside of pain management.

Neuropathic Painkillers Addiction

Opiate or narcotic type painkillers prescribed for neuropathic pain are some of the most widespread, addictive, and readily available drugs today. Regular use results in physical and psychological damage and dependence.

There are thousands of people that have used, gone through treatment, and now live normal, healthy lives. If you or someone you know is a narcotic or marijuana abuser due to their neuropathic pain, most likely they are already an addict or are quickly becoming one.

http://pain-management-treatment.com/management-neuropathic-pain