Corticosteroids for preventing postherpetic neuralgia
Abstract Background Postherpetic neuralgia is a common, serious painful complication of herpes zoster. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and might be beneficial. This is an update of a review first published in 2008 and previously updated in 2010. Objectives To examine the efficacy of corticosteroids in preventing postherpetic neuralgia. Search methods We updated the searches for randomised […]
Interventions for treating persistent and intractable hiccups in adults
Abstract Background Persistent and intractable hiccups (typically defined as lasting for more than 48 hours and one month respectively) can be of serious detriment to a patient’s quality of life, although they are relatively uncommon. A wide range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been used for the treatment of persistent and intractable hiccups. However, […]
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for fibromyalgia syndrome
Abstract Background Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a clinically well-defined chronic condition of unknown etiology characterized by chronic widespread pain that often co-exists with sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction and fatigue. Patients often report high disability levels and poor quality of life (QOL). Drug therapy focuses on reducing key symptoms and improving quality of life. Objectives To […]
Treatment for meralgia paraesthetica
Abstract Background Meralgia paraesthetica is a clinical syndrome for which a number of treatments are in common use, including conservative measures, injection of corticosteroid with local anaesthetic and surgery. We aimed to examine the evidence for the relative efficacy of these interventions. This review was first published in 2008. Searches were updated in 2010 and […]
Methadone for chronic non-cancer pain in adults
Abstract Background Methadone belongs to a class of analgesics known as opioids, that are considered the cornerstone of therapy for moderate-to-severe pain due to life-threatening illnesses; however, their use in chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is controversial. Methadone has many characteristics that differentiate it from other opioids, which suggests that it may have a different efficacy […]
Combination pharmacotherapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain in adults
Abstract Background Pharmacotherapy remains an important modality for the treatment of neuropathic pain. However, as monotherapy current drugs are associated with limited efficacy and dose-related side effects. Combining two or more different drugs may improve analgesic efficacy and, in some situations, reduce overall side effects (e.g. if synergistic interactions allow for dose reductions of combined […]
Phenytoin for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults
Abstract Background Antiepileptic drugs have been used in pain management since the 1960s; some have shown efficacy in treating different neuropathic pain conditions. Phenytoin is an established antiepileptic drug that has been used occasionally to treat intractable trigeminal neuralgia. Objectives To assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of the antiepileptic drug phenytoin in neuropathic […]
Clonazepam for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults
Abstract Background Antiepileptic drugs have been used in pain management since the 1960s; some have shown efficacy in treating different neuropathic pain conditions. Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, is an established antiepileptic drug, but its place in the treatment of neuropathic pain is unclear. Objectives To assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of the antiepileptic drug […]
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for fibromyalgia syndrome
Abstract Background Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a chronic condition of unknown aetiology characterised by musculoskeletal pain that often co-exists with sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction and fatigue. Patients often report high disability levels and poor quality of life. Since there is no specific treatment that alters the pathogenesis of FM, drug therapy focuses on pain reduction […]
Lacosamide for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults
Abstract Background Antiepileptic drugs have been used in pain management since the 1960s; some seem to be especially useful for neuropathic pain. Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug that has recently been investigated for neuropathic pain relief, although it failed to get approval for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy from either the Food and Drug Administration or […]