Medical and Supplement Use and Peripheral Neuropathies

Peripheral neuropathy often causes severe pain requiring an individualized approach to treatment. Guidelines emphasize stepwise treatment with a focus on both pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy management. This retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study analyzed current prescription and over-the-counter medication and supplement use trends in 45 symptomatic patients attending a community-based, free peripheral neuropathy educational clinic. Before each visit, patients completed a self-reported questionnaire that consisted of demographic data as well as current prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. The most common prescription medications included anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids, generally consistent with guidelines for the treatment of neuropathic pain.