Demonstration Formulary
 
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4 Central nervous system

PALLIATIVE CARE PHYSICIANS - Guidelines for the use of drugs in symptom control

 

04-07-03 Neuropathic pain

Amitriptyline
Formulary

1st line

Low abuse potential, low cost

Off label use

Link  NICE CG173: Neuropathic pain - pharmacological management in non-specialist settings

All settings View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF
Gabapentin
Formulary

2nd line

Be aware of abuse and addiction potential associated with this class of agent

Due to the risk of adverse effects associated with Gabapentin,start with the lowest effective dose and titrate up to the minimum effective dose. Educate patient on titration
At follow up, check patient's tolerance of treatment and understanding of dose titration

See Gabapentin leave sheet for dose titration information

Reduce dose in renal impairment

Link  NHS England: (Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs) Patient Leaflet; Are you taking gabapentin or pregabalin? (Lyrica, Alzain, Neurontin)
Link  NHS England: Advice for prescribers on the risk of the misuse of pregabalin and gabapentin
Link  UKMI Q&A: Gabapentin and pregabalin - are they safe whilst breast feeding?

All settings View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF
Duloxetine Cymbalta®
Formulary

Third line after gabapentin

Dot On advice of specilaist - initiate at 30 mg OD for 1 month, then 60 mg OD

Dot More cost effective options available

Dot NICE suggests 1st line for Diabetic neuropathy

Dot Low abuse potential , high cost £££££

Dot Not licensed for use in children


All settings View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF
Pregabalin
Formulary

4th line after duloxetine

On the advice of a specialist where duloxetine is unsuitable

Please be aware of abuse potential associated with this class of agent

From 17th July 2017, clinicians can now return to normal practice when prescribing pregabalin and no longer need to specify a brand name when prescribing for neuropathic pain

Link  NHS England: (Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs) Patient Leaflet; Are you taking gabapentin or pregabalin? (Lyrica, Alzain, Neurontin)
Link  NHS England: Advice for prescribers on the risk of the misuse of pregabalin and gabapentin
Link  UKMI Q&A: Gabapentin and pregabalin - are they safe whilst breast feeding?

Specialist advice View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF
Capsaicin
Non Formulary

Do not prescribe View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF
Ketamine oral solution
Non Formulary

View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF
Pregabalin
Non Formulary



Link  NHS England: (Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs) Patient Leaflet; Are you taking gabapentin or pregabalin? (Lyrica, Alzain, Neurontin)

View adult BNF  View SPC online  View childrens BNF