Pharmacological Treatments for Neuropathic Pain

These flashcards provide definitions and explanations of key pharmacological terms related to the treatment of neuropathic pain, outlining different drug classes and specific medications.

Anticonvulsants

Medications primarily used to treat epilepsy, but also referred to as Antiepileptic Drugs. Commonly include Gabapentin and Pregabalin.

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

An anticonvulsant that decreases excitatory neurotransmitter release, effective for neuropathic pain.

Pregabalin (Lyrica)

An anticonvulsant similar to gabapentin but with a faster onset; side effects include edema and weight gain.

SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

Medications that increase serotonin and norepinephrine, used to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

An SNRI that increases serotonin and norepinephrine, effective in treating diabetic neuropathy.

Venlafaxine (Effexor)

An SNRI requiring careful monitoring of blood pressure and a slow taper when discontinuing.

TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Medications used less frequently now for neuropathic pain due to side effects, especially in the elderly.

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

A TCA with sedating effects and anticholinergic effects that may not be well tolerated by elderly patients.

Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

A TCA better tolerated than amitriptyline.

Topical Agents

Medications applied to the skin, such as Lidocaine 5% Patch, for localized pain relief.

Tramadol (Ultram)

An opioid-like agent with risks for seizures and serotonin syndrome, used for severe pain.

Tapentadol (Nucynta)

Opioid-like medication approved for diabetic neuropathy with monitoring needs.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

An anticonvulsant that requires regular CBC monitoring due to risk of bone marrow suppression.

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

An anticonvulsant similar to carbamazepine with a risk for hyponatremia.

Peripheral Neuropathy

A condition where nerve damage leads to symptoms like burning, tingling, and increased pain sensitivity.

Allodynia

Pain from non-painful stimuli, associated with conditions like neuropathy.

First-line medications for neuropathic pain

Includes Gabapentin, Pregabalin, and Duloxetine.