Treatments can includetraditional painkillers, nontraditionalpain medications, and other related pain treatments.
The rightcombination of pain management strategieswill help you function better and have a better quality of life.
Treatments vary from person to personit all depends on your pain and your needs.
Paul Bradbury / Caiaimage / Getty Images
Paul Bradbury / Caiaimage / Getty Images
What Is Neuropathy?
Pain from neuropathy is called neuropathic pain.
Topical medications are absorbed through your skin and enter the bloodstream.
They don’t travel through your digestive system, where some painkillers can cause damage.
Many topical products combine two or more of these ingredients.
Warning: Topical Analgesics
It is possible for topical analgesics to cause overdose and even death.
These things can all cause your body to absorb too much of the drug.
Oral Pain Relievers
Oral pain relieverscan be purchased over the counter.
There are two main types:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) and acetaminophen.
Don’t Double Up!
Acetaminophen liver toxicity is a real threat when taking combination opioids.
Some other supplements commonly used to treat neuropathic pain include:
Prescription Medication
Analgesics are painkillers.
Other prescription options include prescription-strength NSAIDs and opioids.
You should only discontinue these medications on the advice of a healthcare provider.
They also block receptors for other neurotransmittersincluding acetylcholine and histaminewhich makes them unable to send signals via brain cells.
For some people, these drugs can improve the balance of neurotransmitters and improve the way the brain functions.
This can have effects on both mood and pain.
Your healthcare provider can offer you guidance on the proper way to wean yourself off of these drugs.
SNRIs
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors slow the reuptake of both of these neurotransmitters.
This class includes the only antidepressants to receive FDA approval for pain.
This is believed to help in neuropathy because serotonin plays a key role in pain signals.
SSRIs generally cause fewer unpleasant side effects than tricyclics.
NSAIDs
Both ibuprofen and naproxen are also available in prescription strengths.
They’re alsoaddictiveand classified as controlled substances.
When an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone hydrochloride should be administered as soon as possible.
Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is currently available both over-the-counter and by prescription, under different brand names.
Narcan (4 mg/spray) and ReVive (3 mg/spray) are brand names available OTC.
They’re commonly used for managing pain from severe injuries, cancer pain, andpost-surgical pain.
You may need to alter your dose or switch to a different medication.
OTC Side Effects
OTC medication can cause side effects.
Be sure to discuss these side effects and any others that aren’t listed with your healthcare provider.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
All medications have a risk of side effects.
It’s also a good idea to have your pharmacist review your medications anytime you’re prescribed something new.
You may also find that rest, stress reduction, and other lifestyle changes help.
Most people with neuropathic pain require help from a healthcare provider or medical team to make significant improvements.
Involve your healthcare provider in any self-treatment decisions and lifestyle modifications.
Neuropathic pain is commonly treated with drugs known as adjuvant analgesics.
These are typically antidepressants and anticonvulsants prescribed for off-label use.
Medications often prescribed for nerve pain include:
Yes, but not without risks.
Opioids like codeine, tramadol, and oxycodone block pain signals that the body sends to the brain.
As a result, you dont feel the pain.
However, opioids also come with negative side effects and a high risk of addiction.
Long-term opioid use leads to physical dependence.
Stopping opioids abruptly can lead to painful withdrawal symptoms and sickness.
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