Medications for neuropathic pain: current trends.

Neuropathic pain is by definition a chronic pain condition that occurs and persists in a heterogeneous group of aetiologically different diseases characterised by a primary lesion or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system. Neuropathic pain has an important prevalence in the general population, and a severe impact on quality of life and mood of affected patients. Therapy is based on tricyclic antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs, the most frequently studied drug classes. Opioids and analgesics are a second-line choice. Topical medications could be useful in several pain situations.