Pharmacological treatment of neuralgic and neuropathic pain.

The current pharmacological management of neuropathic pain with antidepressants, anticonvulsants, drugs with action on the autonomic nervous system, steroids, baclofen and naloxone is reviewed. The underlying clinical theme of relative opioid insensitivity of neuropathic pain is emphasized. Future pharmacological approaches in neuropathic pain are suggested on the basis of the mechanism of action of the current remedies. The problems of clinical trials in this area are discussed.