Neuropathy Treatment and Diagnosis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which medication class is considered first-line for neuropathic pain?
- Gabapentinoids (gabapentin, pregabalin) (Correct answer)
- Antibiotics
- Antacids
- Diuretics
Correct answer: Gabapentinoids (gabapentin, pregabalin)
Gabapentin and pregabalin are first-line agents that reduce abnormal nerve signaling in neuropathic pain.
Question 2: Duloxetine, used for diabetic neuropathy pain, belongs to which drug class?
- SNRI antidepressant (Correct answer)
- Penicillin antibiotic
- Calcium channel blocker
- Proton pump inhibitor
Correct answer: SNRI antidepressant
Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) FDA-approved for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
Question 3: Which topical agent derived from chili peppers can relieve localized neuropathic pain?
- Capsaicin (Correct answer)
- Hydrocortisone
- Benzocaine
- Salicylic acid
Correct answer: Capsaicin
Capsaicin depletes substance P in nerve endings, reducing localized neuropathic pain.
Question 4: Why are opioids generally not preferred as first-line neuropathic pain treatment?
- Risk of dependence and limited long-term benefit (Correct answer)
- They cure neuropathy
- They have no side effects
- They speed nerve regeneration
Correct answer: Risk of dependence and limited long-term benefit
Opioids carry addiction risk and offer limited durable relief, so they are reserved rather than first-line.
Question 5: Which tricyclic antidepressant is sometimes used in low doses for neuropathic pain?
- Amitriptyline (Correct answer)
- Amoxicillin
- Atenolol
- Albuterol
Correct answer: Amitriptyline
Low-dose amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, can reduce neuropathic pain by modulating pain pathways.
Question 6: Alpha-lipoic acid is a supplement studied mainly for neuropathy related to which condition?
- Diabetes (Correct answer)
- Asthma
- Hypertension
- Glaucoma
Correct answer: Diabetes
Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant, has been studied for symptom relief in diabetic neuropathy.
Question 7: A patient on gabapentin should be monitored for which common side effect?
- Drowsiness and dizziness (Correct answer)
- Improved night vision
- Increased height
- Hair growth
Correct answer: Drowsiness and dizziness
Gabapentin commonly causes sedation and dizziness, especially when starting therapy.
Neuropathy Treatment and Diagnosis 3
Which medication class is considered first-line for neuropathic pain?