An open-label, non-randomized comparison of venlafaxine and gabapentin as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy in the management of neuropathic pain in patients with peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Although many therapies are used in the management of neuropathic pain (NeP) due to polyneuropathy (PN), few comparison studies exist. We performed a prospective, non-randomized, unblended, efficacy comparison of the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine, as either monotherapy or adjuvant therapy, with a first-line medication for NeP, gabapentin, in patients with PN-related NeP. VAS pain scores were assessed after 3 and 6 months in intervention groups and in a cohort of patients receiving no pharmacotherapy. In a total of 223 patients, we analyzed pain quantity and quality (visual analogue scale [VAS] score, Brief Pain Inventory [BPI]), quality of life and health status measures [EuroQol 5 Domains, EQ-5D], Medical Outcomes Sleep Study Scale [MOSSS], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] and Short Form 36 Health Survey [SF-36]) after 6 months of therapy. Significant improvements in VAS pain scores occurred for all treatment groups after 6 months. Improvements in aspects of daily life and anxiety were identified in all treatment groups. Our data suggest that monotherapy or adjuvant therapy with venlafaxine is comparable to gabapentin for NeP management. We advocate for head-to-head, randomized, double-blinded studies of current NeP therapies.

Keywords:

• peripheral neuropathy
• neuropathic pain
• pharmacotherapy
• venlafaxine
• gabapentin

Introduction

Chronic polyneuropathy (PN) is a common condition¹ estimated to occur in about 2.4% of the population, increasing to 8% in the elderly.² Etiologies of PN are numerous, including diabetes mellitus, vitamin B12 deficiency, alcohol, vasculitis and immune-related diseases¹ as well as idiopathic causes.³ Neuropathic pain (NeP), referring to pain of peripheral or central nervous system origin and characterized by continuous or paroxysmal dysesthesias, occurs in up to 50% of patients with PN.^4,5 Patients with NeP often describe burning, shooting or stabbing electrical sensations; allodynia and hyperalgesia may also occur.¹ Chronic NeP reduces quality of life in several domains, and concomitant mood and sleep disorders often co-occur.^6–9

Diversity in the management of NeP related to variations in severity, concomitant syndromes, and patient diversity, make NeP particularly challenging to manage.^10,11 Further, side effects often limit the beneficial effects of NeP pharmacotherapy.¹² Even with use of a first-line agent such as gabapentin for NeP,¹³ only 67% of treated patients are able to tolerate a maximal therapeutic dosage and most of these patients still tolerate dizziness and somnolence.⁵ Despite the presence of guidelines for multiple pharmacotherapies for NeP,^13,14 there are very few head-to-head studies to guide the clinician in making therapeutic decisions.¹⁵

Gabapentin, a 3-alkylated analogue of γ-amino butyric acid, is a well established anticonvulsant in the management of NeP.^16–18 Gabapentin’s predominant activity in the relief of NeP is the modulation of calcium channels through its binding to α₂-δ-subunit of the calcium channel complex,¹² reducing pre-synaptic release of neurotransmitters. Gabapentin does not act upon serotonin or norephinephrine reuptake,¹⁹ so its mechanisms of action are distinctly different from agents such as the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). In Canada, gabapentin is considered first-line therapy for NeP management¹³ and therefore a reasonable comparator for other agents used for NeP.

Newer management options include venlafaxine, one of the first-used SNRIs.^20–25 Beyond reuptake inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine, venlafaxine also possesses sodium channel blockade activity, as seen with tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medications,²⁴ weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor activity, and mild NMDA antagonism activity.²⁶ Although venlafaxine may be associated with rare cardiac arrhythmias, suggesting the need for ongoing cardiac monitoring,¹⁴ its side effect profile is still preferable to those associated with TCAs, first-line agents for management of NeP.¹³ It is hypothesized that beneficial effects of SNRIs in NeP are seen only at higher doses at which the metabolite R-O-desmethylvenlafaxine inhibits noradrenaline;²⁷ therefore, it is believed that dosing of venlafaxine below 150 mg daily is ineffective for NeP. Further research into the benefits of venlafaxine for management of NeP remains necessary.

Although some studies have identified potential benefits of venlafaxine and gabapentin combination therapy,²⁶ there are no studies that have compared the two therapies head-to-head. The aim of this study was to compare the relative efficacy of these two contrasting therapies in the management of NeP in a real-life clinical setting. A specific emphasis was placed on analyzing reductions in pain perception and changes to other pain-related symptom scales and quality of life indices. We hypothesized that the two treatments groups would have unique efficacies in the treatment of NeP and that both groups would fare better than a control (no treatment) group.

Materials and methods

Patient assessment

We prospectively evaluated patients with PN-related NeP in a tertiary care neuromuscular clinic in Calgary. While patients were identified prospectively, this investigation was not designed as a randomized study or a prospective cohort examination, but rather as a part of their regular clinical care. All patients enrolled within these clinics provide informed consent for ethically approved assessment of their clinical outcomes during all management, studies examining their general well being at regular follow-up visits, and completion of questionnaires conducted at these clinics (Centre for Advancement of Health, University of Calgary). There was no specific consent obtained for use of gabapentin or venlafaxine – prescription of these therapies was considered a part of standard medical care. Patients with PN-associated NeP were asked, “Do you have pain or discomfort over your feet and legs on a near-daily basis for more than 6 months?” All patients who responded positively with a clinical picture consistent with PN and presence of peripheral neuropathy were deemed to have NeP as a complicating feature of their PN. The DN4 questionnaire (DN4 questionnaire), with good sensitivity (83%) and specificity (90%),¹¹ was used to identify clinical likelihood of NeP presence – only those patients with a score of ≥4 were considered eligible.

Peripheral neuropathy severity was assessed using the Toronto Clinical neuropathy score (TCNS), which is based upon history and examination and emphasizes sensory deficits as compared to other measures of peripheral neuropathy severity.^28,29 Initially developed for use as a simple screening tool for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the TCNS is based upon history and examination and emphasizes sensory deficits as compared to other measurements of the severity of peripheral neuropathy. The TCNS is a validated method of evaluation for peripheral neuropathy, higher TCNS scores being positively associated with greater pathological abnormality of sural nerve fiber density.²⁸ During the assessment of their peripheral neuropathy, the most likely etiology of the neuropathy was also determined based upon laboratory investigations and clinical information. These investigations included complete blood count, electrolytes, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, total bilirubin, international normalized ratio (INR), thyroid-stimulating hormone, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A_1c, cobalamin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antinuclear antibody, extracted nuclear antibody testing, serum protein electrophoresis, rheumatoid factor, vitamin B12 levels, fasting methylmalonic acid, and fasting homocysteine levels. Other testing was completed if a specific cause was suspected. All patients had electrophysiological testing as part of their regular care. In rare situations, a peripheral nerve biopsy was performed to supplement clinical diagnosis. There is no gold standard for the diagnosis of PN,^30,31 so the final clinical diagnosis was based upon the judgment of the attending neurologist. However, PN was defined to be present if a patient had a TCNS score of ≥3 including the mandatory presence of sensory abnormalities on distal bilateral leg examination unless another reason for the observed findings other than PN could be inferred. Thus, patients without evidence of physical examination signs of PN were excluded from further assessment. Patients were excluded from further consideration if another condition other than PN such as a rheumatological disorder or peripheral vascular disease was present in the lower extremities. Peripheral vascular pulses were palpated in all cases, and if difficult to detect or absent, then patients were excluded due to possible confounding peripheral vascular disease. Likewise, patients with symptoms of pain only present during exertion were excluded due to the possibility of confounding peripheral vascular disease.

Study design

Although these patients were identified in prospective manner, this study was designed to be a prospective cohort investigation providing a study of best clinical care. No randomization or blinding was performed. Patients were seen on three occasions during the study as part of standard care. During the first visit, determination of the cause of PN, determination of the presence of NeP, and the decision to initiate pharmacotherapy for NeP occurred. The decision to begin a specific pharmacotherapy was made by the patient after sufficient discussion of the agents and the possible anticipated adverse events in concert with the neurologist – attempts to emphasize the use of any one of the open-label medications were avoided. Attempted prior therapy for NeP in the past or present was permitted. Patients taking no medications for pain in the prior 30 days before assessment and initiating therapy were considered as receiving monotherapy. Patients taking other medications for pain relief at the time of initial visit were considered as receiving adjuvant therapy. Enrollment was not permitted if patients discontinued or modified their medications used in the 30 days prior to study initiation; these patients were asked to return after 30 days from last pain medication modification occurred, at which time their previous medication use was considered stable. In addition to monitoring those patients receiving pharmacotherapy, patients were also monitored when no pharmacotherapy was desired or selected (control group).

Pharmacotherapy: venlafaxine or gabapentin monotherapy or adjuvant treatment

Following their assessment, patients were offered pharmacotherapy as part of their pain-management protocol. Careful recording of their current NeP medications prior to initiation of therapy were performed. Patients were initiated on venlafaxine or gabapentin as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy. Flexible dosing was used for all patients, with varying initiation doses for venlafaxine and gabapentin; in all cases, however, medication doses were uptitrated slowly. In addition to monitoring those patients receiving pharmacotherapy, patients receiving no pharmacotherapy were also monitored (control group).

All patients were contacted via telephone 1 week after starting monotherapy or adjuvant therapy to assess for any adverse effects. Additional clinical follow-ups occurred at 3- and 6-month intervals to perform studies related to the primary and secondary objectives, when adverse events were also recorded. If tolerating the medication well at the 3 month follow-up point, patients were given the opportunity to modulate the dose either higher or lower for the remaining 3 months. Patients with benefits but with tolerable adverse events were permitted to reduce the dose of the medication being used. We attempted to ensure that concomitant pain medications were not altered in the adjuvant therapy group. Patients were advised to contact the prescribing clinic for any possible adverse effects or clinical difficulties with pain during the time course of the study.

Primary outcome measure

Data for primary outcome measures were collected in groups of patients receiving interventions as well as in control group patients. At each visit the primary outcome measure; the degree of NeP (quantity and quality) was evaluated using a VAS provided by a line bisection score with an unmarked 10 cm line between anchors of no pain on the left (0) and worst possible pain on the right (10). The marked score was asked to reflect the patient’s average PN-related NeP severity over the past 24 hours. The VAS was scored by line measurement in each case. The last available data points were used for calculation of VAS in the case of drop out from the study. Data for pain quantity were collected at 0-, 3- and 6-month intervals for all patients.

Secondary outcome measures

Data for secondary outcome measures were collected in groups of patients receiving interventions as well as in control group patients. Secondary outcomes consisted of health status and quality of life assessments. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), EuroQol 5 Domains (EQ-5D), Medical Outcomes Sleep Study Scale (MOSSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were determined at study entry and after 6 months. The BPI provides information on the intensity of pain as well as the degree to which pain interferes with function, and enquires about pain relief, pain quality, and the patient’s perception of the cause of pain. The EQ-5D has two sections – the first section examines the health state in 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/complaints, and anxiety/depression. We calculated EQ-5D utility scores and VAS scores as described previously.^32,33 The MOSSS is a 12-item self-report sleep measure, that can be used to assess important aspects of sleep perceived by adults.³⁴ The HADS is another self-assessment scale that has been found to be a reliable instrument for detecting states of depression and anxiety in the setting of an outpatient clinic. Its subscales are also valid measures of severity of the emotional disorder.³⁵ The SF-36 Health Survey is a 36-item generic measure of health status.⁹

Medication adverse effects were documented during the telephone interview at one week after medication initiation, as well as at 3- and 6-month study visits.

To gauge global improvement, the Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC) was administered at the 6-month endpoint visit. Both scales were analyzed using modified ridit transformation with the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel procedure, with adjustment for center.

Tolerability and adverse events

An adverse event was defined as any noxious, unintended or unexpected response suspected to have a causal relationship with the medication used. Identification of intolerable side effects at the time of follow-up visit or leading to discontinuation of medication prior to the follow-up visit was determined at the multiple follow-up points. A serious adverse event was defined as any life-threatening reaction to medication requiring hospitalization, additional urgent physician assessment, or resulted in persistent or significant disability. Patients were also asked to identify any tolerable side effects felt to be related to the medication. Side effects were accumulative throughout the study, such that a side effect experienced in the first 3 months but not the next 3 months was still recorded as a side effect for both 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Data analysis

All patients enrolled in the NeP clinic provided informed consent to have their longitudinal data analyzed. All data were analyzed using unmatched ANOVA testing between intervention groups and between time points. Data were separated to analyze patients receiving monotherapy and adjuvant therapy. The baseline pain VAS score was used for comparison to later pain scores, and the 3-month pain VAS score was compared to the 6-month VAS pain score also. Changes in pain scores during the study period were compared between treatment groups and the control cohort. An intention to treat analysis was performed once patients were seen for follow-up, with the last observations carried forward in the case of lost follow-up or discontinuation. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel procedure was used to analyze PGIC data. Missing data were treated using the last observation carried forward in all cases.

Results

A total of 95 NeP patients initiated monotherapy: 43 with venlafaxine and 52 with gabapentin. A total of 109 patients were already on NeP pharmacotherapy and initiated on adjuvant therapy: 45 with venlafaxine and 64 with gabapentin. A cohort group of 29 patients with PN-related NeP did not receive pharmacological treatment and were monitored in an identical fashion for the 6-month follow-up period and considered a control group (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Summary of patient flow throughout study.

Abbreviations: NeP, neuropathic pain; PN, polyneuropathy.

Patients in each treatment group and in the control group were similar with respect to age, sex, and severity of the neuropathy prior to the study initiation (Table 1). Control patients, however, had significantly lower VAS scores at baseline than each of the treatment groups. No significant difference in baseline VAS scores within treatment groups was present (ANOVA, P = 0.32 for monotherapy groups, P = 0.44 for adjuvant therapy groups).

Table 1 Clinical features and baseline characteristics of patients and control subjects studied

Clinical features	Monotherapy		Adjuvant therapy
	Venlafaxine (n = 43)	Gabapentin (n = 52)	Venlafaxine (n = 45)	Gabapentin (n = 64)	Control group (no therapy) (n = 29)
Age (mean ± SD)	59 ± 7	61 ± 9	56 ± 5	61 ± 6	62 ± 9
Female sex (%)	27 (63%)	31 (60%)	28 (62%)	37 (58%)	17 (59%)
Age of onset of NeP symptoms (years), mean ± SD	57 ± 11	58 ± 13	55 ± 9	58 ± 15	59 ± 16
Age of initiation of NeP therapy initiation (years), mean ± SD	58 ± 10	59 ± 14	55 ± 9	60 ± 14	60 ± 15
Etiology of PN
Idiopathic	6	8	7	12	5
Diabetic	12	16	14	17	8
Vit B12	9	11	6	7	3
MGUS	4	2	2	5	3
Alcoholic	2	4	5	9	1
Immune	3	4	2	6	3
Hereditary	2	3	2	2	1
Other	5	4	7	6	5
TCSS	12.3 ± 4.3	12.0 ± 3.8	11.9 ± 4.2	13.2 ± 3.5	12.5 ± 4.0
Pre-existing NeP Therapies, number of patients using and average dose	N/A	N/A	Amitryptyline (n = 15), 17.5 ± 12.5 mg/d Nortriptyline (n = 2), 50 mg/d	Amitryptyline (n = 22), 18.3 ± 12.9 mg/d Nortriptyline (n = 2), 25 ± 0 mg/d	N/A
			Carbamazepine (n = 2), 300 ± 141 mg/d
			Valproic acid (n = 1) 750 mg/d	Carbamazepine (n = 5), 380 ± 148 mg/d
			Phenytoin (n = 2), 250 mg/d
			Nabilone (n = 3) 1.50 ± 0.50 mg/d Morphine (n = 14) 54 ± 27 mg/d Fentanyl (n = 1) 50 μg/d Oxycodone (n = 7) 33 ± 17 mg/d Acetaminophen (n = 4) 722 ± 368 mg/d Codeine (n = 2) 105 ± 86 mg/d	Phenytoin (n = 2), 250 ± 70 mg/d Venlafaxine (n = 3) 150 mg/d Morphine (n = 20) 48 ± 23 mg/d Fentanyl (n = 2) 63 ± 18 μg/d Oxycodone (n = 13 39 ± 18 mg/d Acetaminophen (n = 2) 650 ± 168 mg/d Codeine (n = 4) 141 ± 77 mg/d
Pre-existing side effects of NeP therapies
Sedation			14 (31%)	17 (26%)
Dizziness (lightheadedness)			10 (22%)	16 (25%)
Peripheral edema			1 (2%)	1 (2%)
Fatigue			14 (31%)	12 (19%)
Dry mouth			5 (11%)	5 (8%)
Headache			6 (13%)	4 (6%)
Other			15 (33%)	20 (31%)
Total responses of adverse effects			65	75
Number of patients with adverse effects prior to initiation of studied therapies			20 (44%)	25 (39%)
Duration of time using NeP therapy prior to initiation of studied therapies (months)			11.9 ± 5.2	14.6 ± 6.1

Notes: Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation, or as an absolute number. ANOVA tests were performed to compare groups receiving monotherapy as well as the two groups receiving adjuvant therapy.

* indicates a significant difference with ANOVA testing when the intervention group was compared to the control group.

Abbreviations: MGUS, monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance; NeP, neuropathic pain; PN, polyneuropathy; TCNS, Toronto Neuropathy Clinical Score.

After initial titration periods, venlafaxine and gabapentin dosing varied between individual patients (Table 2), but was slightly higher for each therapy in monotherapy treated patients as compared to adjuvant therapy patients (Tables 2, 3). In monotherapy patients, the mean dose of venlafaxine was just over 220 mg daily after 3 and 6 months. In patients receiving monotherapy gabapentin, the mean dose was just under 2400 mg daily after 3 and 6 months. In adjuvant therapy patients, the mean dose of venlafaxine was just under 220 mg daily after both 3 and 6 months. In patients receiving adjuvant gabapentin, the mean dose was just under 1900 mg daily after 3 and 6 months (Tables 2, 3).

Table 2 Parameters measured for monotherapy groups at baseline, 3 and 6 months after initiation of treatment

	Venlafaxine (n = 43)			Gabapentin (n = 52)
	Baseline	3 month	6 month	Baseline	3 month	6 month
Initiated/modified/achieved mean and actual doses at each time point	156.5 ± 42.7 mg/d 75 mg bid (n = 38) 150 mg bid (n = 3) 75 mg qhs (n = 2)	221.0 ± 54.3 mg/d	223.2 ± 57.3 mg/d	1684.6 ± 412.2 mg/d	2372.4 ± 561.4 mg/d	2295.5 ± 508.6 mg/d
		75 mg bid (n = 19)	75 mg bid (n = 16)	600 mg po tid (n = 34)	1200 mg po tid (n = 4)	1200 mg po tid (n = 2)
		150 mg bid (n = 17)	150 mg bid (n = 16)	600 mg po bid (n = 12)	900 mg po tid (n = 14)	900 mg po tid (n = 14)
		75 mg qhs (n = 1) 0 mg (n = 6)	75 mg qhs (n = 1) 0 mg (n = 10)	300/600/600 mg (n = 2)	600 mg po tid (n = 13)	600 mg po tid (n = 11)
				600/600/900 mg (n = 2)	600 mg po bid (n = 4)	600 mg po bid (n = 4)
				600/900/900 mg (n = 2)	600/600/900/900 mg (n = 2) 0 (n = 15)	600/600/900/900 mg (n = 2) 0 (n = 19)
VAS	46.0 ± 7.6	36.5 ± 7.8*	27.7 ± 9.5*,€	50.2 ± 13.5	41.5 ± 13.2*	33.8 ± 11.6*,€
Absolute and % Improvement in VAS since initiation		9.5 ± 4.9 (20.6%)¥	18.3 ± 6.8 (42.0%)¥		8.7 ± 5.1 (17.3%)¥	16.4 ± 9.1 (32.7%)¥
Side effects of NeP monotherapies
Sedation		12 (28%)	14 (33%)		28 (54%)	31 (60%)
Dizziness/lightheadedness		8 (19%)	11 (26%)		17 (33%)	20 (39%)
Peripheral edema		0 (0%)	1 (2%)		2 (4%)	4 (8%)
Fatigue		10 (23%)	12 (28%)		14 (27%)	16 (33%)
Dry mouth		5 (12%)	5 (12%)		8 (15%)	8 (15%)
Headache		1 (2%)	2 (5%)		3 (6%)	3 (6%)
Gastric upset		6 (14%)	6 (14%)		1 (2%)	1 (2%)
Sexual dysfunction		2 (5%)	3 (7%)		2 (4%)	2 (4%)
Other		14 (29%)	17 (35%)		5 (10%)	7 (13%)
Total responses of adverse effects		58	71		79	90
Number of patients with adverse effects		20 (47%)	22 (51%)		30 (47%)	31 (48%)
Reasons for discontinuing (accumulative)
Sedation		1 (2%)	1 (2%)		5 (10%)	5 (10%)
Dizziness/lightheadedness		1 (2%)	1 (2%)		6 (12%)	6 (12%)
Gastric upset		1 (2%)	1 (2%)		0 (0%)	0 (0%)
Inefficacy		3 (7%)	7 (16%)		4 (8%)	8 (15%)
EQ-5D Mobility Score	1.4 ± 0.6		1.4 ± 0.5	1.4 ± 0.7		1.4 ± 0.6
EQ-5D Self Care Score	1.6 ± 0.6		1.4 ± 0.5	1.4 ± 0.5		1.4 ± 0.5
EQ-5D Usual Activities Score	1.5 ± 0.7		1.5 ± 0.6	1.4 ± 0.6		1.5 ± 0.6
EQ-5D Pain/Discomfort Score	2.4 ± 0.9		2.2 ± 0.6	2.6 ± 0.8		2.4 ± 0.7
EQ-5D Anxiety/Depression Score	1.7 ± 0.7		1.6 ± 0.6	1.6 ± 0.7		1.5 ± 0.6
EQ-5D Index Score	0.58 ± 0.16		0.65 ± 0.17	0.56 ± 0.17		0.61 ± 0.20
EQ-5D VAS	63.0 ± 14.5		65.2 ± 14.2	63.3 ± 16.9		67.2 ± 16.4
MOSSS domains
Sleep Disturbance	38.6 ± 16.5¥		27.2 ± 14.7*	36.8 ± 17.5¥		29.3 ± 16.6*
Somnolence	35.7 ± 17.6		31.1 ± 16.6	35.7 ± 18.7		31.7 ± 19.3
Sleep Adequacy	44.3 ± 20.7		60.5 ± 21.5*	49.3 ± 22.8		59.5 ± 23.9*
Snoring	14.2 ± 14.8		14.1 ± 15.2	15.4 ± 16.3		15.0 ± 16.6
Awaken Short of Breath or with Headache	15.3 ± 12.1		14.4 ± 13.8	16.0 ± 15.6		12.0 ± 13.1
Quantity of Sleep (hours)	5.6 ± 2.2¥		6.5 ± 2.3*	6.0 ± 2.3¥		6.4 ± 2.1
Sleep Problems Index	35.7 ± 11.7		28.2 ± 10.5*	33.1 ± 11.5		25.2 ± 11.6
HADS (Total)	14.1 ± 10.3		9.7 ± 6.0*	11.7 ± 9.7		10.0 ± 7.2
HADS-A	8.7 ± 5.2		5.9 ± 5.1*	8.0 ± 5.1		5.4 ± 6.8*
HADS-D	5.4 ± 4.7		3.8 ± 3.8	3.7 ± 4.6		4.6 ± 3.5
SF-36 domains
Physical Functioning	31.6 ± 22.5		47.6 ± 22.1*	36.1 ± 24.0		46.5 ± 25.1*
Role Physical	25.5 ± 13.0¥		33.4 ± 12.6	22.2 ± 10.9¥		30.2 ± 12.3
Bodily Pain	24.3 ± 20.2¥		37.6 ± 13.5*	26.9 ± 21.2¥		37.5 ± 20.0*
General Health	42.2 ± 20.5		54.3 ± 19.6*	45.2 ± 21.4		51.3 ± 21.9
Vitality	24.3 ± 14.3¥		30.5 ± 18.6*	19.8 ± 15.1¥		30.1 ± 15.0*
Social Functioning	33.2 ± 24.3		37.8 ± 22.1	40.1 ± 24.4		45.2 ± 24.2
Role Emotional	24.7 ± 23.9		30.2 ± 26.1	26.2 ± 25.1		30.4 ± 25.3
Mental Health	48.6 ± 22.8		61.8 ± 21.5*	51.2 ± 22.0		58.0 ± 22.4
BPI – pain severity
Worst Pain	6.6 ± 2.9		6.1 ± 2.0	6.2 ± 3.0		6.2 ± 2.8
Average Pain	5.2 ± 2.5		4.1 ± 2.1*	5.1 ± 2.4		4.2 ± 2.0*
Least Pain	3.6 ± 2.2¥		2.9 ± 1.8	3.0 ± 2.0		2.6 ± 2.0
Pain Now	4.9 ± 2.1		4.2 ± 1.7*	5.1 ± 2.2		4.4 ± 1.6*
Mean Severity	5.1 ± 2.0		4.3 ± 2.0*	4.9 ± 2.1		4.4 ± 1.8*
BPI – pain related interference
General Activity	5.6 ± 2.3¥		4.3 ± 1.9*	5.8 ± 2.5¥		4.8 ± 2.3*
Walking Ability	5.3 ± 2.4		4.2 ± 1.9*	5.5 ± 2.2		4.8 ± 2.2*
Normal Work	5.3 ± 2.3		4.4 ± 1.8*	5.5 ± 2.2		4.8 ± 2.1*
Relations with Others	5.6 ± 2.1		4.4 ± 1.8*	5.6 ± 2.0		4.7 ± 2.0*
Sleep	5.8 ± 2.6¥		4.7 ± 1.7*	6.0 ± 2.4¥		5.1 ± 2.1*
Enjoyment of Life	5.2 ± 2.5		4.2 ± 1.9*	5.9 ± 2.3		5.1 ± 2.1*
Mean Interference	5.5 ± 2.4¥		4.4 ± 2.3*	5.6 ± 2.5¥		4.9 ± 2.2

Notes: Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. ANOVA tests were performed to compare groups receiving monotherapy at the same time points.

* indicates a significant difference with ANOVA testing when the timepoint data are compared to baseline data.

€ indicates a significant difference when 6-month data are compared to 3-month data.

¥ indicates a significant difference when the intervention is compared to the control group at the identical timepoint (Table 4).

Abbreviations: BPI, Brief Pain Inventory; EQ-5D, EuroQol 5 Domains; HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; MOSSS, Medical Outcomes Sleep Study Scale; NeP, neuropathic pain; QHS, at bedtime daily; VAS, visual analogue scale.

Table 3 Parameters measured for adjuvant groups at baseline, 3 and 6 months after initiation of treatment

Test	Venlafaxine (n = 45)			Gabapentin (n = 64)
	Baseline	3 month	6 month	Baseline	3 month	6 month
Initiated/modified/achieved mean and actual doses at each time point	141.7 ± 23.9 mg/d	218.7 ± 57.8 mg/d	216.4 ± 62.4 mg/d	1577.3 ± 375.8 mg/d	1867.4 ± 582.3 mg/d	1891.1 ± 588.9 mg/d
	75 mg bid (n = 40)	75 mg bid (n = 17)	75 mg bid (n = 16)	600 mg po tid (n = 34)	1200 mg po tid (n = 2)	1200 mg po tid (n = 2)
	75 mg qhs (n = 5)	150 mg bid (n = 20)	150 mg bid (n = 17)	600 mg po bid (n = 15)	900 mg po tid (n = 13)	900 mg po tid (n = 14)
		75 mg qhs (n = 3)	75 mg qhs (n = 3)	300/600/600 mg (n = 5)	600 mg po tid (n = 25)	600 mg po tid (n = 20)
		0 mg (n = 5)	0 mg (n = 9)	600/600/900 mg (n = 5)	600 mg po bid (n = 6)	600 mg po bid (n = 5)
				600/900/900 mg (n = 3)	300 mg po bid (n = 5)	300 mg po bid (n = 5)
					600/600/900/900 mg (n = 1)	0 (n = 18)
					0 (n = 12)
VAS	52.4 ± 17.7	42.3 ± 16.5*	32.7 ± 21.2*,€	49.9 ± 30.0	41.3 ± 26.2*	33.0 ± 21.2*,€
% Improvement in VAS since initiation		9.9 ± 6.1 (18.8%)¥	19.7 ± 8.6 (37.6%)¥		8.6 ± 5.3 (17.2%)¥	16.9 ± 9.6 (33.9%)¥
Number of patients discontinuing PGB/GBP		Intolerant (n = 3)	Intolerant (n = 3)		Intolerant (n = 9)	Intolerant (n = 10)
		Ineffective (n = 2)	Ineffective (n = 6)		Ineffective (n = 3)	Ineffective (n = 8)
Side effects during adjuvant therapies
Sedation		20 (44%)	22 (49%)		22 (34%)	22 (34%)
Dizziness/lightheadedness		13 (29%)	15 (33%)		16 (25%)	19 (30%)
Peripheral edema		0 (0%)	0 (0%)		5 (8%)	7 (11%)
Fatigue		13 (29%)	15 (33%)		6 (9%)	11 (17%)
Dry mouth		3 (7%)	3 (7%)		7 (11%)	8 (13%)
Headache		2 (4%)	2 (4%)		1 (1%)	3 (5%)
Other		23 (51%)	26 (58%)		14 (22%)	17 (27%)
Total responses of adverse effects		74	83		71	87
Number of patients with adverse effects prior to initiation of studied therapies		24 (53%)	27 (60%)		30 (47%)	31 (48%)
Reasons for discontinuing adjuvant therapy
Sedation		2 (4%)	2 (4%)		7 (11%)	7 (11%)
Dizziness/lightheadedness		1 (2%)	1 (2%)		2 (3%)	3 (5%)
Inefficacy		2 (4%)	6 (13%)		3 (5%)	8 (13%)
EQ-5D Mobility Score	1.2 ± 0.6		1.3 ± 0.6	1.3 ± 0.6		1.4 ± 0.5
EQ-5D Self Care Score	1.5 ± 0.6		1.2 ± 0.5*	1.2 ± 0.6		1.3 ± 0.5
EQ-5D Usual Activities Score	1.6 ± 0.6		1.5 ± 0.6	1.4 ± 0.7		1.4 ± 0.6
EQ-5D Pain/Discomfort Score	2.4 ± 0.8		2.3 ± 0.7	2.5 ± 0.9		2.2 ± 0.6*
EQ-5D Anxiety Score	1.6 ± 0.8		1.6 ± 0.6	1.6 ± 0.7		1.5 ± 0.6
EQ-5D Index Score	0.58 ± 0.20		0.61 ± 0.19	0.55 ± 0.24		0.57 ± 0.26
EQ-5D VAS	64.8 ± 16.9		66.9 ± 24.1	58.2 ± 26.9		64.5 ± 22.8
MOSSS Domains
Sleep disturbance	42.3 ± 15.8¥		30.1 ± 15.2*	40.4 ± 18.8¥		34.5 ± 17.1*
Somnolence	38.2 ± 16.4		32.6 ± 14.5	36.8 ± 16.9		34.7 ± 15.5
Sleep adequacy	42.6 ± 20.5		57.5 ± 8.5*	43.1 ± 18.4		45.5 ± 17.9
Snoring	13.3 ± 12.1		12.9 ± 13.2	15.1 ± 14.0		15.2 ± 14.2
Awaken short of breath or with headache	14.8 ± 11.4		15.1 ± 13.5	14.6 ± 13.8		14.5 ± 13.9
Quantity of sleep (hours)	5.5 ± 2.0¥		6.4 ± 2.1*	5.9 ± 1.8¥		6.4 ± 1.9
Sleep Problems Index	36.2 ± 12.0		27.3 ± 9.8*	36.7 ± 12.8		30.8 ± 12.6
HADS	15.8 ± 9.8		10.1 ± 7.2*	16.9 ± 12.6		14.1 ± 8.7
HADS-A	9.6 ± 6.0		5.5 ± 4.7*	11.5 ± 5.5		7.1 ± 7.8*
HADS-D	6.2 ± 4.9		4.6 ± 3.6	5.7 ± 5.9		7.0 ± 5.2
SF-36 Domains
Physical functioning	32.8 ± 21.6		43.8 ± 20.8*	35.4 ± 25.4		42.6 ± 23.4*
Role Physical	27.6 ± 14.2¥		35.2 ± 13.4	26.3 ± 9.9¥		29.4 ± 12.0
Bodily Pain	22.8 ± 19.6¥		38.7 ± 14.2*	26.2 ± 22.0¥		38.3 ± 19.1*
General Health	41.8 ± 19.7		49.6 ± 17.6	44.6 ± 20.2		47.4 ± 19.1
Vitality	22.8 ± 16.2¥		28.7 ± 17.7	21.3 ± 14.1		28.1 ± 14.2
Social Functioning	31.6 ± 21.5		34.6 ± 20.4	38.6 ± 25.4		43.1 ± 20.8
Role Emotional	25.5 ± 24.8		32.0 ± 25.1	25.8 ± 24.2		31.1 ± 23.5
Mental Health	44.4 ± 21.2		58.7 ± 20.2*	52.2 ± 20.7		59.1 ± 22.3
BPI – pain severity
Worst Pain	6.2 ± 3.0		6.0 ± 2.1	6.3 ± 2.9		6.1 ± 2.8
Average Pain	5.6 ± 2.4		4.6 ± 1.8*	5.7 ± 2.5		4.2 ± 1.8*
Least Pain	3.8 ± 1.9		3.2 ± 1.7	3.3 ± 2.0		2.8 ± 1.9
Pain Now	5.4 ± 2.2		4.0 ± 1.7	5.8 ± 2.5		4.3 ± 1.9
Mean Severity	5.3 ± 2.0		4.4 ± 2.1*	5.3 ± 2.4		4.4 ± 1.9*
BPI – pain related interference
General Activity	5.8 ± 2.3¥		5.1 ± 1.9	6.1 ± 2.6¥		5.1 ± 2.3*
Mood	6.1 ± 2.2		4.8 ± 1.8*	5.9 ± 2.6		5.0 ± 2.3*
Walking Ability	5.9 ± 2.5		4.8 ± 2.1*	5.7 ± 2.6		5.0 ± 2.2
Normal Work	5.6 ± 2.4		4.8 ± 2.0	6.1 ± 2.5		5.0 ± 2.1*
Relations with Others	5.6 ± 2.3		4.9 ± 1.7*	5.0 ± 2.0		4.9 ± 2.0
Sleep	6.2 ± 2.4¥		4.5 ± 1.8*	6.4 ± 2.5¥		5.2 ± 2.2*
Enjoyment of Life	5.8 ± 2.4		4.9 ± 2.2	6.0 ± 2.4		5.0 ± 2.2*
Mean Interference	5.8 ± 2.5¥		4.8 ± 2.3*	5.8 ± 2.6¥		5.0 ± 2.4*

Notes: Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. ANOVA tests were performed to compare groups receiving adjuvant therapy at the same time points.

* indicates a significant difference with ANOVA testing when the timepoint data are compared to baseline data.

€ indicates a significant difference when 6-month data are compared to 3-month data.

¥ indicates a significant difference when the intervention is compared to the control group at the identical timepoint (Table 4).

Abbreviations: BPI, Brief Pain Inventory; EQ-5D, EuroQol 5 Domains; GBP, gabapentin; HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; MOSSS, Medical Outcomes Sleep Study Scale; NeP, neuropathic pain; PGB, ; VAS, visual analogue scale.

Table 4 Parameters measured for the control groups at baseline, 3 and 6 months after initiation of treatment

	Control group (n = 29)
	Baseline	3 month	6 month
VAS	29.6 ± 12.1	30.3 ± 12.7	30.4 ± 1.5
Absolute and % Improvement in VAS since initiation		−0.7 ± 6.8 (−2.3%)	−0.8 ± 7.2 (−2.7%)
EQ-5D Mobility Score	1.3 ± 0.8		1.3 ± 0.8
EQ-5D Self Care Score	1.2 ± 0.8		1.3 ± 0.7
EQ-5D Usual Activities Score	1.3 ± 1.0		1.3 ± 0.9
EQ-5D Pain/Discomfort Score	2.1 ± 0.9		2.1 ± 0.9
EQ-5D Anxiety/Depression Score	1.6 ± 0.9		1.6 ± 0.8
EQ-5D Index Score	0.68 ± 0.26		0.67 ± 0.28
EQ-5D VAS	69.8 ± 21.5		69.3 ± 21.2
MOSSS Domains
Sleep Disturbance	28.4 ± 21.2		28.8 ± 22.0
Somnolence	27.3 ± 21.5		28.4 ± 22.5
Sleep Adequacy	56.4 ± 27.2		55.8 ± 26.8
Snoring	13.7 ± 16.6		14.0 ± 14.6
Awaken Short of Breath or with Headache	12.4 ± 17.1		14.3 ± 19.2
Quantity of Sleep (hours)	7.2 ± 2.8		7.1 ± 2.9
Sleep Problems Index	23.6 ± 16.7		24.1 ± 18.2
HADS (total)	9.4 ± 10.2		9.2 ± 10.8
HADS-A	5.3 ± 11.6		5.1 ± 11.8
HADS-D	4.1 ± 11.9		4.1 ± 11.6
SF-36 Domains
Physical Functioning	48.9 ± 31.3		49.7 ± 32.0
Role Physical	36.5 ± 17.8		35.1 ± 16.5
Bodily Pain	40.2 ± 19.2		42.6 ± 15.2
General Health	59.7 ± 24.7		54.4 ± 23.8
Vitality	37.4 ± 23.5		39.0 ± 24.1
Social Functioning	51.2 ± 28.3		54.7 ± 26.2
Role Emotional	40.6 ± 29.9		41.1 ± 28.0
Mental Health	63.7 ± 27.1		62.5 ± 24.6
BPI – pain severity
Worst Pain	5.4 ± 3.5		5.7 ± 3.4
Average Pain	4.1 ± 3.3		4.2 ± 3.2
Least Pain	1.5 ± 2.9		1.6 ± 3.1
Pain Now	4.7 ± 3.2		4.5 ± 3.0
Mean Severity	3.9 ± 3.1		4.0 ± 3.2
BPI – pain related interference
General Activity	4.1 ± 3.1		4.0 ± 3.1
Mood	3.2 ± 3.2		3.4 ± 3.1
Walking Ability	3.5 ± 3.0		3.7 ± 2.8
Normal Work	3.0 ± 3.1		3.0 ± 3.0
Relations with Others	3.2 ± 2.7		3.0 ± 2.8
Sleep	2.6 ± 3.1		2.5 ± 3.0
Enjoyment of Life	4.1 ± 2.8		3.9 ± 2.7
Mean Interference	3.4 ± 3.0		3.4 ± 3.1

Notes: Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. ANOVA tests were performed to compare groups receiving monotherapy at the same time points.

Abbreviations: BPI, Brief Pain Inventory; EQ-5D, EuroQol 5 Domains; HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; MOSSS, Medical Outcomes Sleep Study Scale; NeP, neuropathic pain; VAS, visual analogue scale.

The control group data is presented in Table 4. Control group patients had less significant pain at baseline – this may have contributed to their selection not to receive pharmacotherapy. The control group also had better sleep and functioning parameter results than seen in the intervention groups.

Primary outcome measures

Monotherapy

For patients treated with venlafaxine or gabapentin as monotherapy, there was a significant improvement in VAS pain scores after 3 and 6 months of treatment compared to baseline VAS pain scores. There was also a significant improvement in scores at 6 months versus 3 months for both venlafaxine and gabapentin treatment groups (Table 2). Both treatment groups had greater relative improvement in VAS pain scores when compared to control patients at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits.

Adjuvant therapy

VAS pain scores significantly improved for patients treated with venlafaxine adjuvant therapy at both 3 and 6 months compared to baseline VAS pain scores (Table 3). Venlafaxine adjuvant therapy was also associated with a significant improvement in VAS pain scores at 6-month visits versus 3-month visits. All patients treated with adjuvant therapy had greater relative improvement in VAS scores compared to control patients over the same periods of time.

Secondary measures

Monotherapy

There were no significant improvements in EQ-5D scores, EQ-5D domains or EQ-Health status scores at 6-month visits versus baseline for any monotherapy treatment group (Table 2). Both gabapentin and venlafaxine monotherapy was associated with improvement in sleep disturbance and sleep adequacy within the MOSSS (Table 2). Venlafaxine monotherapy was further associated with additional improvements in sleep quantity and in the sleep problems index (Table 2). Within the SF-36 domains, both venlafaxine and gabapentin monotherapy improved physical functioning, bodily pain, and vitality. Venlafaxine monotherapy further improved the SF-36 domains of general health and mental health. Both gabapentin and venlafaxine monotherapy led to improvements in BPI subscales, including average pain, present pain; as well as with pain interference with general activity, walking ability, normal work, social relations, sleep, and enjoyment of life. Venlafaxine monotherapy additionally assisted with pain related interference with mood (Table 2). Monotherapy with venlafaxine improved the total HADS score as well as the HADS-A score (but not the HADS-D score). Monotherapy with gabapentin improved the HADS-A score only (Table 2).

Adjuvant therapy

There were no significant improvements in EQ-5D scores or EQ-Health status scores at 6 month visits versus baseline for any adjuvant therapy treatment group (Table 3). However, venlafaxine adjuvant therapy was associated with improved EQ-5D Self Care scoring at 6 months. Both gabapentin and venlafaxine adjuvant therapy was associated with improvement in sleep disturbance within the MOSSS (Table 3). Venlafaxine adjuvant therapy was further associated with additional improvements in sleep adequacy, sleep quantity and in the sleep problems index (Table 3). Within the SF-36 domains, both venlafaxine and gabapentin adjuvant therapy improved physical functioning and bodily pain. Venlafaxine adjuvant therapy further improved the SF-36 domain of mental health. Both gabapentin and venlafaxine adjuvant therapy improved BPI subscales including average pain and interference with mood and sleep. Venlafaxine adjuvant therapy additionally assisted with pain-related interference for walking ability and social relations, while gabapentin adjuvant therapy additionally assisted with pain-related interference for general activity, normal work, and enjoyment of life (Table 3). Adjuvant therapy with venlafaxine improved the total HADS score as well as the HADS-A score (but not the HADS-D score); gabapentin adjuvant therapy improved the HADS-A score only (Table 2).

Adverse events

All treatment groups suffered some attrition. Discontinuation rates ranged from 19% to 46% in each group, the greatest percentage of discontinuation being seen in the gabapentin monotherapy group. Discontinuations were related to development of intolerable side effects as well as drug inefficacy. Although gabapentin therapy had a trend towards greater discontinuation of pharmacological therapy, there were no significant differences between intervention groups.

In the monotherapy groups, a total of 21 patients stopped treatment at or before the 3-month follow-up visit. The most common side effects for all patients receiving either monotherapy were sedation, dizziness/lightheadedness and fatigue. At the 6-month visits, an additional 8 patients discontinued their medication due to inefficacy rather than intolerable side effects.

In the adjuvant therapy groups, a total of 17 patients discontinued medication at 3-month follow-up visits, due to a combination of intolerable side effects and perceived inefficacy. Sedation was found to be the most common side effect in both adjuvant treatment groups. An additional 8 patients receiving adjuvant therapy discontinued treatment at or before the 6-month follow-up visit due to medication inefficacy. There were no serious adverse events occurring within any treatment group.

Patient assessment

Global improvement was evaluated with the PGIC. On both the clinician-rated and the patient-rated instruments, there were responses in favor of monotherapy with either venlafaxine or gabapentin compared to the control group (no therapy), whereas the adjuvant therapies were associated with less beneficial but significant responses (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Patient global impression of change (PGIC) was analyzed using a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel procedure, adjusting for center in each case. Patients reported a significant perceived benefit with monotherapy compared to control group patients for each of venlafaxine (A) and gabapentin (B), as well as with adjuvant therapy for each of venlafaxine (C) and gabapentin (D). In contrast, the control group receiving no therapy had no significant change in PGIC reported (E).

Control group (no therapy)

The control group was stable over time in their levels of pain, sleep parameters, mood and anxiety scale values and in quality and functioning of life parameters (Table 4). None of these patients started other forms of therapy over the 6-month assessment period.

Discussion

Although there are guidelines for the management of NeP, very few head-to-head comparisons of pharmacotherapies exist. The present study suggests that venlafaxine as monotherapy or adjuvant treatment for NeP has similar benefits on pain severity, sleep, anxiety/depression and functioning compared to gabapentin. Based on our open-label results, venlafaxine adjuvant or monotherapy should be considered in NeP patients. Modulation of multiple NeP pathogenic pathways (“rational polytherapy”) may be beneficial in numerous patients with NeP, as demonstrated by the efficacy of adjuvant therapy with either therapy of interest in this study.

We decided to use gabapentin as a comparator given its widespread use, reasonable adverse event profile, therapeutic benefits at sub-maximal dosing (1800 mg/day), low cost and acceptance as beneficial NeP therapy.^13,18,36 It was expected that all treatment groups would fare better than the untreated, or control, group. Although the control group had lower VAS pain scores that changed little over time, there were similar improvements for both therapy groups that were not witnessed in the control group. Both venlafaxine and gabapentin, with proven efficacy in the treatment of NeP,^12,23,37 demonstrated improvement in VAS pain scores, but also were associated with some improvements in sleep, pain-associated psychiatric difficulties, and functional abilities. Previous studies examining low dose venlafaxine asserted a number needed to treat (NNT) of 5.5 (3.4–13.5),²² while higher dosing of venlafaxine provides a NNT of 4.6 (2.9–10.6)²² – thus, venlafaxine is suggested to be provided at a minimum of ≥150 mg daily²³ in order to manage pain. In comparison, gabapentin for management of NeP due to a peripheral nervous system disease is associated with an NNT of 4.3 (2.8–8.6).¹² Therefore, the expected therapeutic benefit for both groups is similar. In our study, the two pharmacotherapies were quite comparable for most parameters, although venlafaxine had possibly better efficacy in management of anxiety/depression and sleep dysfunction than gabapentin. Our results suggest that venlafaxine is also an effective medication in NeP therapy, with benefits that are comparable to those of gabapentin.

The most common adverse event with the use of either venlafaxine or gabapentin was sedation, although the numbers of adverse events did not differ between the two therapies assessed. Sedation, lightheadedness/dizziness and fatigue were the most common adverse events to lead to discontinuation of therapy in all intervention groups. Inefficacy also occurred in 13% to 16% of patients with either pharmacotherapy. Global benefit assessed with the PGIC found overall beneficial effects within any of the four intervention groups compared to that of the control group receiving no pharmacotherapy.

Another SNRI, duloxetine, also reduces pain in patients with major depressive disorder.³⁸ Interestingly, a post-hoc analysis of two independent, randomized, controlled trials in patients with major depressive disorder comparing duloxetine with placebo identified that approximately 50% of duloxetine’s total effect on overall pain was independent of responses in depression, suggesting an independent analgesic effect of duloxetine which may contribute to efficacy in diabetic peripheral NeP^20,21 and fibromyalgia.^39–41 The reuptake inhibition of both serotonin and norepinephrine has remained the proposed mechanism by which SNRIs alleviates pain and improves mood through increased availability of serotonin and norepinephrine, important neurotransmitters in descending pain inhibitory pathways in the central nervous system.⁴²

There are a number of limitations associated with our results. The greatest limitation was a lack of randomization and blinding. The flexible dosing and variability in overall dosing performed was analogous to everyday clinical therapy, but may certainly limit the direct comparison of the agents considered. Selection bias may have occurred based upon the physician and patient choosing the desired therapy – in particular, it is possible, but unintended, that patients with history of psychiatric illness may have been more likely to start on venlafaxine. Flexible dosing, although commonly used in routine management, may have contributed to variability in efficacy or adverse events. There is no optimal control group for comparison – we selected a cohort group who chose to receive no pharmacotherapy, but these patients may have expectations of no improvement over time, and had lower baseline VAS scores. It is extremely difficult to control for such variables without performing a randomized, double-blinded, controlled study, although the expense of such a study with an assumed very large sample size is likely prohibitive. Although all patients were encouraged to use conservative measure to assist with NeP relief, including aerobic forms of exercise, there was no means of controlling for non-pharmaceutical interventions, nor was there any means of controlling for patients who also used over-the-counter medications for pain relief. Patients referred to our tertiary care clinic may have not been representative of the general population of patients with PN and PN-mediated NeP.

NeP is a significant debilitating sequelae of PN that usually demands pharmacotheapy. We advocate for future randomized, blinded, head-to-head studies of pharmacotherapies in the management of NeP. Future studies examining combination therapy using agents with distinct mechanisms of action, such as venlafaxine and gabapentin, will be of benefit to determine possible additive effects. Our results suggest that therapies for NeP modulate parameters of sleep and mood/anxiety, and enhance functional abilities in addition to modifying pain severity. We suggest that both venlafaxine and gabapentin are appropriate and comparable adjuvant therapies and monotherapies in the management of NeP.

Disclosures

The authors have no financial interests to disclose.