Vitamins and Hormones

• Deficiencies in zinc and in vitamins B12, B1, B6, D and E can cause neuropathic pain. Your doctor may recommend taking high dosages of these vitamins for three months. Neuropathic pain can also be caused by hormonal deficiencies as well as an underactive thyroid gland. If you have an underactive thyroid, you might have other symptoms such as achiness, fatigue, low blood temperatures and weight gain.
  
  

Treatment

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help to reduce the pain associated with neuropathic pain. Medications that contain morphine may be required in more severe cases. Antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants are also helpful in relieving pain. These medications include Amitriptyline and Nortriptiline. You may be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac to reduce pain, but they are not as effective as tricyclic antidepressants.
  Neuroleptic medications, also known as anticonvulsants, can be an effective form of pain relief. These medications include carbamazepine, felbamate, valproic acid, clonazepam and phenytoin.
  The Lidocaine patch is applied directly over the area that you are experiencing the most pain. This patch is left on the area for 12 hours, then removed and applied again after 12 hours. This method brings relief to the exact area of pain. The side effects are minimal and may include a mild rash. You can use up to three patches at a time.
  Topical gels can ease nerve pain by increasing the absorption of medication. They also have fewer side effects than oral medication. Anti-seizure medications such as Neurontin can also reduce neuropathic pain. Dizziness, sedation and mild swelling are common side effects of Neurontin. This medication is usually taken in 600 mg dosages three or four times a day.
  
  

Diabetes-Related Neuropathic Pain

• Diabetes is the most common underlying cause of neuropathic pain. A decrease in circulation and excess toxic byproducts, nutritional deficiencies or damage from elevated sugars are common factors that contribute to this pain. You can alleviate neuropathy pain caused by diabetes by adding doctor-recommended nutrients to your daily diet. There are several oral medications that may be required to improve nerve function.