Over 20 million people in the United States alone have some form of neuropathy. The number of actual cases may be higher. Not everyone with symptoms gets tested, and the complicated disease is often misdiagnosed.

This painful condition leads to symptoms like numbness and pain throughout the body.

There aren’t many specialized neuropathy medication options. Treatment is especially difficult when there’s no obvious underlying cause.

Work with your doctor to find relief. It may require experimentation and time to create an effective neuropathy treatment plan.

Read our guide for tips on how to treat neuropathy and what medications to take for relief.

Neuropathy Medication Tips

Traditional pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil can help. Prescription medications like narcotics provide neuropathy relief in serious cases. Either method can supplement other treatment methods to increase their effectiveness.

The FDA approved two medications for the treatment of neuropathy: Cymbalta and Lyrica.

Specialized nerve pain medications known as neuropathic pain agents exist. They need a prescription but can ease the pain.

Medications for other conditions can also provide neuropathy relief.

Antidepressants help with several neuropathy symptoms. They ease chronic pain, sleep problems, and emotional issues.

Inflammation is an often-overlooked cause of pain. Anti-inflammatories may be part of a neuropathy treatment plan.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, are especially effective. They reduce pain and inflammation at the same time.

Anti-epileptic or anticonvulsant medications can also provide neuropathy relief. They slow down neural signals sending pain throughout the body.

Topical medications include capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches. They can provide temporary neuropathy relief when applied regularly.

Neuropathy Treatment Tips

Treatment for neuropathy often involves managing underlying conditions. Diabetes is one of the most common causes. Regulating blood sugar levels can also provide neuropathy relief.

Other conditions can cause neuropathy pain. These include vitamin deficiency, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism.

Sometimes treatment can be simple as enacting lifestyle changes.

Exercise provides pain relief and eases pressure on peripheral nerves. It also helps manage underlying conditions causing neuropathy like diabetes and inflammation.

Dietary changes are especially important in cases of diabetic neuropathy. Certain foods can help anyone experiencing neuropathy pain.

Antioxidants in foods like blueberries and fish reduce inflammation. Choose foods with the right nutritional content. They should be high in fiber and low in sodium and saturated or trans fats.

Smoking and alcohol abuse make symptoms worse. Limit the use of these substances for neuropathy relief.

Alternative therapies for neuropathy include acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and splints.

Always consult with your doctor before trying a new medication or treatment. Check here for help with neuropathy and any other neurological conditions.

What to Do If You Have Neuropathy

Neuropathy medication and treatment can be complex. There are so many options that it can be difficult to choose. It becomes even more difficult without an identifiable underlying cause to manage.

The best treatment plan combines every method that could provide relief. This may include medication, alternative treatments, and/or lifestyle changes

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