cancer pain by changing the way sodium and calcium
travel across the surface of nerve cells in the brain. The nerve cells send
fewer signals, and the brain senses less pain.
Anticonvulsants help reduce pain
related to the nervous system (neuropathic pain). Some have fewer side effects
than tricyclic antidepressants.
Anticonvulsants help control cancer
pain related to the nervous system (neuropathic pain).
When anticonvulsants are used to control
cancer pain, they may be given in small amounts to limit side effects. Tell
your doctor if you experience any side effects, especially:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a
warning on anticonvulsants and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. The
FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, people
who take anticonvulsant medicine should be watched closely for
warning signs of suicide. People who take
anticonvulsant medicine and who are worried about this side effect should talk
to a doctor.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects.
(Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
Drowsiness is the most common side
effect of anticonvulsant drugs.
These drugs are started at low
doses and gradually increased to achieve pain relief.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
October 31, 2011
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology
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