Treatment of chronic pain with
antiepileptic drugs: a new era
by
Hansen HC
Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine,
Davis Medical Center,
Statesville, NC, USA.
South Med J 1999 Jul; 92(7):642-9
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Shortcomings of traditional pain relief agents have led
physicians to investigate other alternatives, such as antiepileptic drugs. Safe,
effective, nonhabituating agents are currently available to enhance pain
treatment strategies. METHODS: In this article, various pharmacologic options
and their mechanisms of action are reviewed briefly, with a focus on treatment
of chronic pain with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). RESULTS: Antiepileptic drugs
have been widely studied and prescribed for the relief of acute and chronic
pain. Similarities in the neurophysiology of pain and epilepsy suggest that AEDs
may be a suitable adjunct in the management of chronic pain. Of the newer AEDs,
gabapentin shows the greatest potential and appears to be well tolerated by
patients. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of chronic pain remains a challenge for
physicians and patients. Further research is required to identify the role of
various agents and their effect on patient return to function and quality of
life.
Opioids
Gabapentin
Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Pain measurement
The manic spectrum
Opioids and psychostimulants
Gabapentin, pain and depression
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