Pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain in older persons.
Interest and research into the mechanisms and treatment of neuropathic pain have increased during recent years, but current treatment is still far from satisfactory (Dworkin et al 2003; Attal et al 2006). The European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) Task Force recently published guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain (Attal et al 2006). However, no particular consideration is given as to how the recommendations are applicable to the elderly population. This paper will review the guidelines in relation to this population and evaluate the existing evidence relating to the use of these drugs in older persons.
Haslam
Clair
C
The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, England, UK. clair.haslam@thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk
Nurmikko
Turo
T
D000368:Aged; D000588:Amines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014147:Tramadol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000588:Amines; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D000077206:Gabapentin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D014147:Tramadol; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid