Medicines and Products for neuropathy

Treatment of neuropathy has two parts: treating the cause and easing the symptoms. A doctor should guide both.

Treating the cause

• Diabetes control with diet and medicines
• Vitamin B12 tablets or injections, or other missing nutrients
• Stopping alcohol and any medicine that harms nerves
• Immune treatments such as IVIG, plasma exchange or steroids for autoimmune neuropathies, given by specialists
• Surgery or splints for pinched nerves

Medicines for nerve pain

• Pregabalin and gabapentin: reduce nerve pain, but may cause drowsiness, dizziness and swelling
• Duloxetine: useful in diabetic nerve pain
• Amitriptyline and nortriptyline: low doses at night, with cautions in older adults and heart disease
• Lidocaine patches and low-dose capsaicin cream for localised pain
• Opioids: rarely, and only under close supervision

Medicines for other symptoms

Treatment for dizziness on standing, constipation or bladder problems in autonomic neuropathy.

Cautions

• Do not stop gabapentin, pregabalin or antidepressants suddenly
• Avoid alcohol and driving if you feel drowsy
• Avoid high-dose B6 and unknown herbal products
• Tell your doctor about kidney disease, pregnancy and other medicines
• Not for children without paediatric advice

Remember

Relief takes days to weeks. Follow your doctor's plan and do not self-medicate.

When to get help

See a doctor if you have numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness that lasts more than a few days, especially with diabetes. Avoid long self-medication and unknown herbal products, and do not use oils, herbs or home remedies on infants or young children without a paediatrician's advice. In an emergency call 112 or 102.