By
Medical Care Review | Tuesday,
June 25,
2024
Diabetes-induced nerve pain, also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, can be chronic, severe, and complex to cure. It may begin with tingling, followed by numbness and pain.
Fremont, CA: If you are diagnosed with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor regarding the management of your condition. Once you have taken all the necessary steps to alleviate your symptoms, such as focusing on nutrition, meal planning, exercise, and medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor about the most suitable pain treatment option.
There are several medications available that can help alleviate nerve pain and enable you to function almost normally. However, it may be necessary to try different types of medications before finding the one that works best for you.
Over-the-counter (OTC) Pain Relievers
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are examples of over-the-counter medications.
However, NSAIDs have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly in high doses. If you take them for an extended period, they can produce serious side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding. They can also cause or exacerbate pre-existing kidney impairment, which may be more common among people with diabetes.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen and related over-the-counter medications alleviate pain without lowering inflammation. These drugs do not induce stomach irritation like NSAIDs, but exceeding the authorized dosage can result in liver damage. Read the labels and verify with your pharmacist.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is naturally occurring in chili peppers. It operates on nerve cells in your skin that transmit pain signals to your brain. It can be beneficial in the short term, but there are worries about long-term use. That's because these same nerves are involved in wound healing, which is already problematic if you have diabetes.
Prescription Drugs
Antiseizure Drugs
Antiseizure medications, which are meant to prevent epileptic seizures, can help treat neuropathy. The medications regulate the nerve cells that convey pain in the brain and other regions of the body, such as the legs and arms. However, they can cause dizziness or sleepiness, particularly in large doses.
Opioid Medicines
When your condition is severe, you want immediate help. This is when you should consult a pain specialist. You may require strong medications containing a mild opioid (morphine-like chemical). These medications, like antidepressants, impact the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, reducing pain perception.
Opioids may be a better option for "breakthrough pain" -- pain that develops rapidly for no apparent cause -- than over-the-counter medications.
Neuropathy specialists avoid potent narcotic opioids. They can cause severe constipation and may lead to addiction. There is also a stigma attached to using this type of medicine. This could be a problem, depending on your field of work.
Prescription Capsaicin Patches (Qutenza)
Prescription capsaicin patches provide the pain-relieving properties of capsaicin in a prescription-strength skin patch. You apply up to four patches to your skin every three months and keep them in place for 30 minutes.
