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Update on pharmacotherapy guidelines for treatment of neuropathic pain

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Abstract

Neuropathic pain encompasses a myriad of painful disease states that are often hard to treat, especially with one single medication. In the comprehensive treatment of neuropathic pain, the concept of complex polypharmacy is a rational approach, accompanied by physical and mental health therapies. Medications primarily used for neuropathic pain generally fall into the categories of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioids, and topical agents. Generally, most first-line medications used today show a response rate of approximately 30% to 50% reduction in pain in up to 50% of patients treated. There is no “gold standard” in regard to one medication for neuropathic pain. Some new medications have emerged during the past few years that help to augment the armamentarium of medications used in neuropathic pain. This paper reviews the definition of neuropathic pain and introduces the reader to the evidence-based literature on these new medications available for the treatment of neuropathic

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  1. George E. Whalen VA Medical Center, Mark Wallace 119/OP, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA

    J. Mark Wallace RPh

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  1. J. Mark Wallace RPh
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Correspondence to J. Mark Wallace RPh.

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Wallace, J.M. Update on pharmacotherapy guidelines for treatment of neuropathic pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 11, 208–214 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-007-0192-6

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