What Medications Are Used to Treat Vulvodynia?
There are several different types of oral medications which are used to treat vulvodynia. When you visit (or have an online consultation) with an experienced Vulvodynia Pain Specialist, he/she will review your medical history, ask you various questions about your pain, and if necessary, conduct specific tests, and give you (or arrange for you to come in for) an examination. Once these steps have been completed, your Pain Specialist will be able to ascertain whether you have any contra-indications to certain pharmaceuticals; and whether are a suitable candidate for any of the research-backed vulvodynia medications that have been shown to be successful. – So lets take a look at some of the popular oral medications for vulvodynia.
Different Vulvodynia Medications
Gabapentin
This is a well known anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic drug). It also affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in some types of pain. Gabapentin is also used to: “treat adult neuropathic pain (nerve pain) caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster). Moreover, the Gralise brand of gabapentin is only indicated for the management of neuropathic pain; and the Horizant brand is used to treat nerve pain” [1].
Amitriptyline
Unlike the above-mentioned anti-epileptic drug, Amitriptyline is classed as a tricyclic antidepressant. Moreover, it is also known for its sedative impact, as: “amitriptyline affects certain chemical messengers that communicate between brain cells and help regulate mood” [1].
Nortriptyline
This medication is also classed as a tricyclic antidepressant. Medics frequently prescribe it for symptoms that stem from depression. It works by altering certain chemicals in the brain, thereby reducing patients’ depression [1].
Desipramine
This is another tricyclic antidepressant which Vulvodynia Pain Specialists use to treat patients who are suffering from depression [1].
Fluoxetine
This is in a different category to all the aforementioned medications. It is classed as a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant. It works by inhibiting “the uptake of serotonin by nerve cells, and helps patients who suffer with with depression, panic and anxiety [1].
Booking an Appointment With A Vulvodynia Pain Specialist
Always scout out a Pain Specialist who has a long track record of specialising in vulvodynia. Unfortunately, in most instances, GPs have not undergone the necessary extensive training in this field, and this can impact patients’ diagnosis and recommended treatment.
Once your Vulvodynia Pain Specialist has drawn his/her conclusions, they will explain the various treatment options, and then devise a holistic Personalised Treatment Plan. This is likely to include a protocol of more than one conventional and/or cutting-edge treatments.
Reference
[1]. Drugs.com (2021). “Drugs used to treat Vulvodynia.”