How to treat it

Amitriptyline and desipramine, antidepressant medications, can often reduce the pain and discomfort of peripheral neuropathies. The anticonvulsant drug gabapentin (Neurontin) may also control the pain. To minimize side effects of all these medications, an initial dose may be small and increased gradually if necessary. Some people get relief using capsaicin, a topical cream or ointment containing the ingredient that gives chili peppers their heat.

To treat the diarrhea or constipation caused by autonomic neuropathies, over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications or laxatives are helpful. Other medications help the stomach work more normally. Tight stockings can keep blood from pooling in the legs, and people who experience orthostasis are advised to stand up slowly. Finally, the drug Viagra is helpful for some men with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction, though Viagra often does not work for impotence due to diabetic neuropathy.