Pain Medication A drug commonly used to treat epilepsy is showing great promise as a treatment for people who suffer chronic, debilitating nerve pain from diabetes and shingles. Irene Maher has more on this new treatment. Marcella Smith suffers from neuropathy, a disorder that makes the nerves in her hands and feet misfire, causing a lot of pain. But a drug called Gabapentin, used to treat epilepsy, finally brought relief. Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathy in the western world.
Scientist believe high levels of blood sugar gradually damage the nerves.
Gabapentin brough Marcella immediate and dramatic results. And she says, Gabapentin is helping her get a good night's sleep for the first time in months. Irene Maher, Newschannel 8. Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. That damage leads to problems in communication between the brain and nerves that serve the muscles, skin, and the internal organs.