Table 2 Drugs used to manage neurophatic pain and their mode of action.
Type | Mode of action | Drug | Side effect |
|---|---|---|---|
Anticonvulsants | Inhibits opening neuronal voltage –dependent channels (calcium channels, sodium channel ) andGABA receptor. | Carbamazepine Gabapentin Pregabalin Topiramate | Hepatotoxicity, drowsiness, fatigue, ataxia, vertigo, gastrointestinal discomfort headache, blurred vision. |
Antidepressants | Inhibits the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin by neurons. | Amitriptyline Duloxetine Venlafaxine | Mouth dryness, intense sedation, fatigue, diminished libido, weight loss, nausea, insomnia, headache. |
Local anaesthetics | Act mainly by inhibiting sodium influx through sodium-specific ion channels in the neuronal cell membrane. | Lidocaine Mexiletine | Dizzine, arrhythmia. |
Analgesics | Act through specific receptors, particularly μ receptors distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous system blocking them. | Tramadol Dextropropoxyphene Buprenorphine Morphine Oxycodone Fentanyl Methadone | Nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizzines, mouth dryness, sedation, vertigo. |