Medicines Used for Neuropathic (nerve) pain
Neuropathic pain is pain caused by damaged or over-active nerves. It is often described as burning, shooting or electric, and common causes include diabetes, shingles and nerve injury. Ordinary painkillers often help little, so a doctor may prescribe nerve-pain medicines such as gabapentin, pregabalin or carbamazepine.
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Medicines used for Neuropathic (nerve) pain
These active ingredients are in medicines whose approved uses include Neuropathic (nerve) pain. Brands are listed A to Z, not ranked. A doctor or pharmacist decides which medicine is right for you.
Carbamazepine
- Tegretol 200 · 200 mg tablet
Gabapentin
- Gabapin 100 · 100 mg capsule
Pregabalin
- Lyrica 75 · 75 mg capsule
Common questions
Why do ordinary painkillers not help nerve pain?
Nerve pain comes from faulty nerve signals rather than tissue injury, so usual painkillers often work poorly. Doctors may use medicines that calm nerve signalling. Do not use extra painkillers beyond label advice.
Is trigeminal neuralgia a nerve pain?
Yes. It causes sudden, severe, shooting facial pain lasting seconds to minutes. Carbamazepine is usually the first medicine used, taken long term. A doctor reduces it gradually when stopping.
How long do nerve-pain medicines take to help?
It varies, and it may take days or weeks to judge the effect. Keep taking them as prescribed and report side effects to your doctor instead of stopping suddenly.