Have you ever taken Gabapentin, Lyrica, or opioids for your neuropathy, only to find the pain persists or even worsens?
You’re not alone—John, 67, shared, “I kept increasing my Gabapentin dose, but the burning only got worse.”
Doctors often prescribe these medications, but here’s the truth:
They don’t work for everyone—and can sometimes make things worse.
A concise review in JAMA found that gabapentin leads to ≥50% pain relief in about 14–17% more patients than placebo (for diabetic neuropathy or post‑herpetic neuralgia), meaning many still don’t get adequate relief.
Why Common Neuropathy Medications Fail
1. Gabapentin & Lyrica – Anti-Seizure Drugs
- Suppress nerve signals but don’t repair damaged nerves.
- Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, withdrawal symptoms.
- Research: See the Cochrane review on gabapentin and the JAMA evidence summary.
2. Antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Cymbalta)
- Affect pain perception but may offer only modest benefit for many.
- Side Effects: Fatigue, weight gain, mood changes.
- Study: The OPTION‑DM trial in The Lancet found amitriptyline, duloxetine, and pregabalin had similar (modest) efficacy, with combination therapy helping some who didn’t respond to one drug alone.
3. Opioids – Risky and Ineffective Long-Term
- Mask pain but can cause opioid‑induced hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity).
- Evidence: Human data summarized in a 2019 systematic review (BJA) and an NIH‑hosted review (PMC).
How These Medications Make Neuropathy Worse
- Masking Damage: Painkillers hide symptoms while nerves worsen silently.
- Tolerance Trap: Higher doses mean stronger side effects and withdrawal.
- Opioid-Induced Pain: Long-term use can increase pain sensitivity.
⚠️ Painkillers don’t fix the problem.
They cover up symptoms while your nerves continue to deteriorate.
They cover up symptoms while your nerves continue to deteriorate.
What Actually Helps Neuropathy Pain
1. Improve Circulation for Nerve Health
- Daily walks, hydration, and foot soaks.
- Case Study: Linda, 65, reduced burning pain by 50% in 10 days with foot massages and stretching.
2. Use NMES (NeuroGo) for Nerve Stimulation
- Sends gentle pulses to promote circulation and nerve repair.
- Real Result: Mark, 72, experienced 50% less pain using NeuroGo nightly for 10 minutes.
3. Focus on Long-Term Nerve Protection
- Foot checks, anti-inflammatory foods, and stress management.
- For supplements like ALA, see the 2024 Cochrane review (findings are mixed and often small).
The Bottom Line
- Painkillers mask symptoms without healing nerves.
- Circulation, NMES (NeuroGo), and lifestyle changes address the cause.
✅ Real Relief Starts with Addressing the Root Cause.
Instead of masking symptoms, improving blood flow and nerve stimulation can help support long-term healing.
Instead of masking symptoms, improving blood flow and nerve stimulation can help support long-term healing.
Ready to Take Control of Your Neuropathy?
Discover a drug-free way to support nerve health.
Learn more about NeuroGo and how it supports nerve health—drug-free!
Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.