Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines
Key to symbols The medicine should be initiated by, or on the advice of a specialist, but is suitable for continuation by a GP The medicine should only be used and prescribed by a specialist Indicates the preferred choice within a class or group of medicines
The medicine should be initiated by, or on the advice of a specialist, but is suitable for continuation by a GP
The medicine should only be used and prescribed by a specialist
Indicates the preferred choice within a class or group of medicines
4.7. Analgesics

4.7.3. Neuropathic pain

Preferred List
AMITRIPTYLINE

Prescribing Notes:

Use in the treatment of neuropathic pain is an unlicensed indication of amitriptyline.

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CARBAMAZEPINE
GABAPENTIN
Total Formulary
Specialist and GP
DULOXETINE

Restrictions:

Use in peripheral diabetic neuropathic pain in adults is restricted to specialist initiation as second or third line therapy.

BNF Link

IMIPRAMINE (tablets)

Restrictions:

Restricted to use in the management of neuropathic pain where amitriptyline is not appropriate because of issues with sedation or hypotension.

Prescribing Notes:

Use in the treatment  of neuropathic pain is an unlicensed indication for imipramine.

BNF Link

Specialist and GP
PHENYTOIN

Restrictions:

Restricted to specialist initiation only.

BNF Link

PREGABALIN

Restrictions:

Restricted to use for peripheral neuropathic pain in adults who have not responded to or tolerated conventional first and second line treatments. Treatment should be discontinued if the patient has not shown sufficient benefit within 8  weeks of reaching the maximally tolerated therapeutic dose. The oral solution is further restricted to those patients who find it difficult to or are unable to swallow tablets.

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NORTRIPTYLINE

Restrictions:

Restricted to use in the management of neuropathic pain where amitriptyline is not appropriate because of issues with sedation or hypotension.

Prescribing Notes:

Use in the treatment  of neuropathic pain is an unlicensed indication for nortriptyline.

BNF Link