Drugs

Role of carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine for the treatment of chronic pain Carbamazepine has established efficacy for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, as well as for painful traumatic neuropathy. Its side effect profile and potential for bone marrow suppression and hepatic side effects have resulted in it typically being used second line for neuropathic pain. General …

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Role of gabapentin and pregabalin for the treatment of chronic pain Although originally developed as an add-on therapy for the treatment of epilepsy, gabapentin quickly became used off-label for the management of chronic pain. From an analgesic viewpoint, it is FDA approved only for postherpetic neuralgia. It is nevertheless widely prescribed off-label for many other …

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Role of anticonvulsants for the treatment of chronic pain Anticonvulsants are commonly used and have been widely accepted for the management of various types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, migraine, and other headache disorders and fibromyalgia, for example. As a class, these agents with various mechanisms of action are believed to result in their …

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Specific concerns of certain muscle relaxants Cyclobenzaprine: The prescriber should be aware that cyclobenzaprine is in fact a tricyclic compound nearly identical in structure to amitriptyline. Among tricyclic compounds, it is known to have among the highest risks of cardiac arrhythmias, including those resulting in fatal outcomes. Thus, caution is advised when using this agent, especially …

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Additional muscle relaxants that are commonly prescribed The medications that are often prescribed as muscle relaxants include metaxalone, cyclobenzaprine, chlorzoxazone, carisoprodol, methocarbamol, and orphenadrine. None of these medications has been proven to be superior in effect over others, and several have distinct properties that justify concern and warning. None of these agents has been proven …

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how tizanidine might be used to treat spasticity Tizanidine is an alpha 2 agonist agent that has been prescribed for spasticity, as an analgesic and as a muscle relaxant for many years. Multiple studies have suggested its benefit for spasticity, low back pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and headache. One might consider capitalizing on its sedating …

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How diazepam used to treat spasticity Diazepam is believed to potentiate the action of GABA. It has been used as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments for people with spinal cord injuries or other conditions associated with spasticity. Somnolence, dizziness, and weakness are adverse effects of diazepam; because this is a benzodiazepine, special caution …

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