Die pharmakotherapie neuropathischer schmerzen - Individuell ausgerichtet, aber eingebettet in ein interdisziplinäres und multimodales konzept

Despite the progress in pain research, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and long acting opioids still constitute the basis of any pharmacological treatment in neruopathic pain. Because the individual neuropathic conditions do not allow to draw direct conclusions regarding the efficacy of drugs in general or of specific drugs in particular, the best drug or best drug combinations including their appropriate doses must be found for the individual patient (individual dose titration considering efficacy and side effects). The goal of treatment addresses not only the underlying pain entity and its symptom constellation but also the improvement of comorbidities such as impaired mood, sleep, mobility, and physical functioning. It is emphasized that any individually tailored pharmacotherapy should be viewed within an interdisciplinary and multimodal treatment concept. Effective and timely analgesia at a therapeutic dose as well as long-term treatment follow-up are essential.