Neuromodulating drugs for the symptomatic treatment of neuropathic pain.

Significant improvement of neuropathic pain has been achieved with studies that have demonstrated efficacy of newer anticonvulsants in relieving this type of pain, by having a neuromodulatory effect on the hyperexcitable damaged nervous system. Two drugs from this class, gabapentin and lamotrigine, have been submitted to a number of clinical trials. Ease of use and broad therapeutic range, in addition to demonstrated efficacy, make gabapentin the drug of choice for most neuropathic pain disorders. Lamotrigine is well tolerated when it is titrated slowly, which also is the way to avoid the development of a rash. Pregabalin, the newest agent that has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia, is awaiting approval. A number of available anticonvulsants are undergoing clinical trials and many drugs with neuromodulatory properties are being considered for further development.