Novel Drug Targets and Emerging Pharmacotherapies in Neuropathic Pain

Pharmaceutics. 2023 Jun 23;15(7):1799. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071799.

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition characterized by abnormal signaling within the nervous system, resulting in persistent and often intense sensations of pain. It can arise from various causes, including traumatic nerve injury, neuropathy, and certain diseases. We present an overview of current and emerging pharmacotherapies for neuropathic pain, focusing on novel drug targets and potential therapeutic agents. Current pharmacotherapies, including tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentinoids, and serotonin norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors, are discussed, as are emerging treatments, such as ambroxol, cannabidiol, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Additionally, the article highlights the need for further research in this field to identify new targets and develop more effective and targeted therapies for neuropathic pain management.

Keywords: N-acetyl-L-cysteine; ambroxol; cannabidiol; gabapentinoids; neuropathic pain; therapy; tricyclic antidepressants.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.