Treatment:

Treatment is based on the symptoms and how severe they are. The medication causing the neuropathy may be stopped, reduced in dose, or changed to another medication. (Never change any medication without first talking to your health care provider).

The following medications may be used to control pain:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers may be helpful for mild pain (neuralgia).
• Phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline may reduce the stabbing pains some people experience.
• Opiate pain relievers, such as morphine or fentanyl, may be needed to control severe pain.

Whenever possible, avoid or reduce medication use to lessen the risk of side effects.

If you have lost sensation, you may need to take safety measures to avoid injury.

Expectations (prognosis):

Many people can partially or fully return to their normal function. The disorder does not usually cause life-threatening complications, but it can be uncomfortable or disabling.

Complications:

• Inability to function at work or home because of permanent loss of sensation
• Pain with tingling in the area of the nerve injury
• Permanent loss of sensation (or rarely, movement) in an area

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have a loss of sensation or movement of any area of the body while taking any medication.