Updating Recommendation on Neuropathic Pain Management

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is defined as pain caused by lesions or diseases of the somatosensory system. Management of neuropathic pain is difficult owing to the heterogeneity of underlying causes and absence of objective standards for diagnosis and assessment of neuropathic pain. In this review, we reviewed the recently published guidelines regarding the pharmacological management of neuropathic pain including the French recommendations and the German Neurological Association guidelines, and the American Neurological Association's guidelines for the management of diabetic polyneuropathy. In general, drugs recommended as the first-line treatment for neuropathic pain include gabapentinoid, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), and tricyclic antidepressants. As the second-line treatment, combination of SNRI or tricyclic antidepressant with gabapentinoid could be recommended. Although tramadol and tapentadol are recommended as the second- or third-line treatment, caution is required in long-term use of these medications due to the side effects including dependence and abuse. Besides efficacy, it is necessary to consider the side effects of the medication and underlying disease of the patient in selecting pharmacological treatment.