Alcoholic Neuropathy Medication

  • Author: Scott R Laker, MD; Chief Editor: Robert H Meier III, MD   more...
 
Updated: Dec 5, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Painful dysesthesias associated with alcoholic neuropathy can be treated using gabapentin or amitriptyline as adjunct agents with other OTC pain medications, such as aspirin or acetaminophen.

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Anticonvulsants

Class Summary

Use of certain antiepileptic drugs, such as the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue Neurontin (gabapentin), has proven helpful in some cases of neuropathic pain. These drugs have central and peripheral anticholinergic effects, as well as sedative effects, and they block the active reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. The multifactorial mechanism of analgesia could include improved sleep, an altered perception of pain, and an increase in the pain threshold. Rarely should these drugs be used in the treatment of acute pain, because a few weeks may be required for them to become effective.

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Gabapentin (Neurontin)

 

Has anticonvulsant properties and antineuralgic effects; however, the exact mechanism of action is unknown. Gabapentin is structurally related to GABA but does not interact with GABA receptors.

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Tricyclic antidepressants

Class Summary

These agents make up a complex group of drugs that have central and peripheral anticholinergic effects, as well as sedative effects. They have central effects on pain transmission and block the active reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.

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Amitriptyline (Elavil)

 

Analgesic for certain chronic and neuropathic pain.

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Analgesic, Topical

Class Summary

When used topically, capsaicin works through the depletion of substance P. It causes significant burning sensations when applied, and patients must be educated about this effect.

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Capsaicin topical (Dolorac, Zostrix)

 

Natural chemical derived from plants of the Solanaceae family. Penetrates deep for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated inflammatory reactions. May render skin and joints insensitive to pain by depleting substance P in peripheral sensory neurons.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Scott R Laker, MD  Staff Physician, Department of Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Scott R Laker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

William J Sullivan, MD  Associate Professor, Pain Medicine Fellowship Site Director, Director of Medical Student Education, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center

William J Sullivan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, International Spine Intervention Society, and North American Spine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA  Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Paraplegia Society, Association of Academic Physiatrists, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Michael T Andary, MD, MS  Professor, Residency Program Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Michael T Andary, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Kelly L Allen, MD  Medical Director, Medevals

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Robert H Meier III, MD  Director, Amputee Services of America; Active Medical Staff, Presbyterian/St Luke's Hospital, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital; Consulting Staff, Kindred Hospital

Robert H Meier III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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