Analgesics

• According to Dr. David Bowsher of the Pain Research Institute, over-the-counter pain medications may have little effect in treating the severe pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. Instead, narcotic (opioid) pain management, including medications containing oxycodone may be used, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to Dr. Seth John Stankus, nerve blocks may also be used.
  
  

Lidocaine and Capsaicin

• Topical capsaicin and lidocaine patches are also used in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. According to the Mayo Clinic, lidocaine patches can be fit to the area to deliver pain relief but should not be used on facial skin.
  
  

Steroids

• Corticosteroids, in conjunction with antiviral drugs, are used during active shingles outbreak to help relieve pain and decrease the chances of developing postherpetic neuralgia. The Mayo Clinic reports that injections of corticosteroids may also be used in managing postherpetic neuralgia.
  
  

Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants

• According to Stankus, tricylic antidepressants and some anticonvulsants are also useful in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Tricylic antidepressants are given to patients in a low dose that is increased over time; these drugs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, according to Stankus. Stankus also reports that a number of anticonvulsants may need to be tried in order to find one that is effective for an individual sufferer.
  
  

TENS and Other Treatments

• The Mayo Clinic reports the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, as well as spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation. In TENS, electrodes are placed on affected areas for pain relief, while in spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, these are implanted and can be used as needed for pain relief.