{"id":626257,"date":"2024-01-18T09:30:10","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626257"},"modified":"2025-03-04T17:44:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T22:44:03","slug":"nerve-pain-medication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nerve-pain-medication\/","title":{"rendered":"9 medications that can help with nerve pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nerve pain, also known as<\/span> neuropathic pain<\/span>, is a type of pain that results from nerve damage to your nervous system, which includes your brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Nerve pain in the peripheral nerves is termed neuralgia and can result from bodily injury or from <\/span>peripheral neuropathy<\/span> due to an illness such as HIV or shingles or a medical condition like <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a>. Whatever the cause, nerve pain can be uncomfortable and disruptive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a pain management doctor, I see the debilitating effects of nerve pain firsthand,\u201d says <\/span>Sean Ormond, MD, <\/span>anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist at<\/span> Atlas Pain Specialists<\/span> in Glendale, Arizona. \u201c<\/span>Its burning, tingling, and shooting sensations can significantly impact everyday life.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, nerve pain medication can provide some much-needed relief. \u201cChoosing the right medication depends on the specific type and cause of your pain,\u201d Dr. Ormond explains. Here, we outline the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) nerve pain medication options, alternative and complementary treatments, and other expert tips for relieving nerve pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

5 prescription medications for nerve pain<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several different types of prescription medications for nerve pain. Your healthcare provider will determine the best <\/span>nerve pain medication<\/span><\/a> for you based on the type of nerve pain you are experiencing, as well as any underlying medical conditions you may have.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe most commonly prescribed medications for nerve pain fall into two classes: anticonvulsants and antidepressants,\u201d explains <\/span>Gendai Echezona, MD, a triple board-certified anesthesiologist specializing in interventional pain management and the proprietor of<\/span> Premier Pain Care & Wellness<\/span><\/a> in Norwalk, Connecticut. These are usually the first-line medication types prescribed for nerve pain. Other medication types may be prescribed, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, there is one medication that isn\u2019t usually prescribed for nerve pain, contrary to popular belief. \u201c<\/span>It’s worth noting that muscle relaxants aren’t typically prescribed for nerve pain, although patients with nerve pain may experience associated muscle spasms,\u201d Dr. <\/span>Echezona says.<\/span><\/p>\n

These are the different prescription nerve pain options.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Tricyclic antidepressants<\/span><\/a> (TCAs) are among the medications most commonly prescribed for nerve pain, says Dr. Ormond<\/a>. \u201c<\/span>Amitriptyline<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>nortriptyline<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>desipramine<\/span><\/a> are often the first line of defense for nerve pain, especially neuropathic pain due to diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and chronic back pain,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

TCAs have been<\/span> widely researched<\/span><\/a> as a treatment for nerve pain and are considered a mainstay of treatment. They work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in varying degrees, depending on which specific medication is used.<\/span> Side effects<\/span><\/a> can include dizziness, constipation, and dry mouth. People with heart disease and epilepsy may not be able to take TCAs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. <\/span>Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors<\/span><\/a> (SNRIs) are a class of antidepressants that have<\/span> shown efficacy in treating nerve pain<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>including low back pain and fibromyalgia. \u201c<\/span>Cymbalta<\/span><\/a> (duloxetine) and <\/span>Effexor<\/span><\/a> (venlafaxine) can be effective for various neuropathic pain types, including those associated with depression and anxiety,\u201d Dr. Ormand says.<\/span><\/p>\n

SNRIs are often easier to tolerate and have fewer side effects than TCAs, making them a better choice for some people. Still, they are not without<\/span> side effects<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>which can include insomnia, constipation, nausea, and dry mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Anticonvulsants<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Though initially designed to treat seizures, medications like Neurontin (<\/span>gabapentin<\/span><\/a>) or Lyrica (<\/span>pregabalin<\/span><\/a>) are often prescribed to treat nerve pain. \u201cWhile any of these may be used as a first line of treatment, gabapentin is often the most common,\u201d Dr. Echezona explains. Other options include Tegretol (<\/span>carbamazepine<\/span><\/a>) and Trileptal (<\/span>oxcarbazepine<\/span><\/a>). These are older options and can be used for specific types of nerve pain, like trigeminal neuralgia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anticonvulsants aren\u2019t without<\/span> side effects<\/span><\/a>, which may include drowsiness, upset stomach, blurred vision, and dizziness. Anticonvulsants may interact with other medications, so it\u2019s important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use, including anything OTC.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Corticosteroids<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sometimes your healthcare provider will offer you <\/span>corticosteroid<\/span><\/a> treatment for nerve pain. \u201cInjections or oral steroids can help reduce inflammation in specific cases of nerve pain, like spinal stenosis,\u201d Dr. Ormond says. Oral corticosteroid medications used to treat nerve pain include <\/span>dexamethasone and prednisone<\/span><\/a>. In particular, cortisone shots are often used for this purpose. These shots offer temporary relief and are used after trying the first-line medication treatments listed above. <\/span>Side effects<\/span><\/a> are rare with cortisone shots but include a small risk of infection at the site of the shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Opioids<\/span><\/h3>\n

Opioids<\/span><\/a> are sometimes recommended for nerve pain, but only as a<\/span>\u00a0fifth-line choice, according to one treatment algorithm<\/span><\/a>. This is mainly because of their potential for adverse effects. \u201cWhile effective for severe pain, they carry the potential for addiction and side effects, requiring careful monitoring and limited use for nerve pain,\u201d Dr. Ormond says.<\/span><\/p>\n

4 OTC nerve pain medications<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes you need pain relievers and you can\u2019t wait for a visit to your healthcare provider. Or maybe you are looking for a remedy you can use alongside your current treatment plan. Let\u2019s take a look at some over-the-counter medications for nerve pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Acetaminophen or NSAIDs<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cOver-the-counter options for nerve pain relief often begin with acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),\u201d Dr. Echezona says. This includes well-known painkillers like <\/span>Tylenol<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Advil<\/span><\/a> (ibuprofen). \u201cHowever, these medications aren’t specifically designed for nerve pain,\u201d Dr. Echezona warns. You should contact your healthcare provider before taking these analgesics if you are taking other prescribed medications for nerve pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Lidocaine patches<\/span><\/h3>\n

Over-the-counter lidocaine comes in the form of topical patches and creams, which are applied to the skin and can help numb the area where you are experiencing nerve pain. As Dr. Ormond describes it, \u201ctopical lidocaine patches and creams offer targeted relief for localized nerve pain.\u201d Brands include <\/span>Lidocare<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Salonpas<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Aspercreme<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Side effects<\/span><\/a> can include burning, swelling, redness, or discomfort in the area where lidocaine was applied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Capsaicin cream<\/span><\/h3>\n

Could a substance found in hot peppers be the ticket to nerve pain relief? <\/span>\u201c<\/span>Capsaicin cream, derived from chili peppers, can provide temporary nerve pain relief,\u201d says Dr. Ormond, noting that burning sensations are a common side effect of this remedy.<\/span> Capsaicin<\/span><\/a> works directly on the nerve cells in the skin that are linked to pain sensations, reducing their activity and decreasing pain as a result. <\/span>Capsaicin cream<\/span><\/a> comes in the form of an ointment, gel, cream, or oil and should be used sparingly and according to instructions. Always contact a provider before using this remedy, and use gloves when applying capsaicin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Vitamins and supplements<\/span><\/h3>\n

Certain vitamins and supplements may be helpful for nerve pain, says Dr. Echezona.<\/span> \u201c<\/span>Some individuals consider B vitamins, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin D (if deficient), magnesium, or CBD to help manage nerve pain,\u201d she says. Vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements <\/span>aren\u2019t regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)<\/span><\/a> and many are not proven to treat medical conditions. You should touch base with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before adding a vitamin or supplement to your care plan. Make sure to share a list of any other medications you are taking, as some medications can interact with vitamins and supplements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for taking nerve pain medications <\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u201cIt is crucial to take nerve pain medication under the guidance of a physician,\u201d Dr. Echezona says. She recommends reporting all current medications you\u2019re taking to your healthcare provider, as there sometimes can be drug interactions and side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

When starting a new medication, you should begin slowly and carefully, noting how you feel and any potential effects. \u201cTypically, patients start with a low dose and titrate up gradually,\u201d Dr. Echezona explains. \u201cWhen discontinuing the medication, a slow titration is also recommended.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects will vary from one medication to another, and it\u2019s best to discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider so that you can manage expectations. Finding the medication and dosage that works best for you with minimal adverse effects can take some time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTreatment often involves a combination of therapies, tailoring them to your specific needs and response,\u201d Dr. Ormond explains. \u201cBe patient. Finding the right medication and dosage can take time and trial-and-error adjustments.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Other treatment options for nerve pain<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes alternative and complementary treatments work well for nerve pain. These treatments can work independently but are usually best used in conjunction with other treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Dr. Echezona, n<\/span>on-medication treatments for nerve pain include:<\/span><\/p>\n