Oxcarbazepine for the Treatment of Chronic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Oxcarbazepine for the Treatment of Chronic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: Predictors of Response - a Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

The purpose of this trial is to determine if the effect of oxcarbazepine on chronic peripheral nerve pain depends on the supposed mechanism of the pain, ie. if oxcarbazepine mainly relieve pain in patients with irritable nerves.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age > 18 years old
• definite or probable neuropathic pain
• diagnosis of polyneuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia or peripheral nerve inju
• pain duration > 3 months
• pain rating at baseline >= 4 point NRS
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• other non-neuropathic pain condition
• allergy to oxcarbazepine
• renal or hepatic impairment
• epilepsy
• depression and other serious psychiatric disorders
• serious medical condition
• previous treatment for neuropathic that cannot be stopped
• pregnancy
• patients expected not to be able to comply with study protocol
• treatment with anticonvulsants, antidepressant or opioids