According to a recent study published in The International Journal of Clinical Practice, there is no significant difference between the use of gabapentin or duloxetine for the treatment of Both duloxetine and pregabalin have shown a significant reduction in neuropathic pain over a period of 12 weeks. Duloxetine showed a higher reduction in pain as compared to pregabalin and the differences were statistically significant. While this study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first local study to compare pregabalin and duloxetine This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of duloxetine and gabapentin in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and therefore to provide evidence-based medicine for clinical treatment. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) review focused on seven common chronic pain conditions (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, low back pain Few direct head-to-head comparisons have been conducted between drugs for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). Approved or recommended drugs in this indication include duloxetine (DLX), pregabalin (PGB), gabapentin (GBP) and amitriptyline (AMT). Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain is a prevalent, intricate, and severe consequence of diabetes, affecting up to 26% of people with the disease. 1 The primary features of this condition include bilateral numbness, tingling sensations, and discomfort in the furthest parts of the limbs, Guideline for managing neuropathic pain in primary care Page 4 of 11 First Produced: January 2008 Reviewed: April 2023 Next review date: March 2026 Neuropathic pain treatment pathway (Adapted from PrescQIPP bulletin 216 Neuropathic pain, 2021) (approx. cost for 6 months, DT Feb2023) Trigeminal neuralgia Use carbamazepine first line • Neuropathic pain is a common condition affecting between 6% and 8% of the population. • An average GP may have between 35 and 70 patients with neuropathic pain. • Much neuropathic pain can be successfully managed within primary care. RECOGNISING AND DIAGNOSING NEUROPATHIC PAIN Common causes of neuropathic pain: We performed a 12-week, open-label study of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain who had been treated with gabapentin (≥900 mg/d) and had an inadequate response (defined as a daily pain score of ≥4 on a numerical rating scale [0-10 points]). NICE Clinical guideline 173 states “Offer a choice of amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin or pregabalin as initial treatment for neuropathic pain (except trigeminal neuralgia)”. Pregabalin and duloxetine are recommended as initial treatment options due to their wider licences, Duloxetine, classified as an antidepressant within the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) category, treats chronic neuropathic pain by enhancing the function of noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons in the descending pathways of the dorsal horn. Duloxetine is also used in adults to treat nerve pain caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), or chronic muscle or joint pain (such as low back pain and osteoarthritis pain). Some brands of duloxetine are also used to treat fibromyalgia (a chronic pain disorder). Drizalma is for treating fibromyalgia only in adults. N.B. Indication = peripheral neuropathic pain: 1–4 patches to the painful area for 30–60 min every 3 months: WEAK: Moderate–high N.B. Potential safety concerns over sensation with long–term use: Moderate–high: Lidocaine plasters N.B. Indication = peripheral neuropathic pain: 1–3 5% plasters to region of pain one per day for up to 12 Clinical manifestations of PDPN include the neuropathy of distal lower extremities, which involves tingling, shooting pain, burning pain, allodynia, hyperesthesia, and other unusual sensations. Symptoms often deteriorate at night and affect sleep quality. Some patients may experience mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression [4, 5, 6]. for all neuropathic pain (except trigeminal neuralgia) a choice of amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin or pregabalin should be offered as initial treatment for neuropathic pain (except trigeminal neuralgia) (1) from previous guidance there is some advice about titration. for amitriptyline These recommendations are largely based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline: Neuropathic pain - pharmacological management. The pharmacological management of neuropathic pain in adults in non-specialist settings [NICE, 2019a]. Offering amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, or pregabalin Duloxetine is used to treat depression and anxiety. It is also used for pain caused by nerve damage associated with diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy). Duloxetine is also used to treat fibromyalgia (muscle pain and stiffness) and chronic (long-lasting) pain that is related to muscles and bones. Patients and methods: We performed a 12-week, open-label study of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain who had been treated with gabapentin (≥ 900 mg/d) and had an inadequate response (defined as a daily pain score of ≥ 4 on a numerical rating scale [0-10 points]). CONCLUSION: Duloxetine was noninferior to pregabalin for the treatment of pain in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who had an inadequate pain response to gabapentin. Patients had an inadequate pain response to a stable dose of gabapentin (≥ 900 mg/day) for ≥ 5 weeks prior to study enrolment. Data from that study were assessed in this current analysis for a detailed report of safety and tolerability. Results: Completion rates did not differ significantly between the groups.
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