Medical Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain in the UK

Common in diabetic neuropathy, sciatica, post-surgical pain

The short answer

A specialist doctor in the UK can consider prescribing medical cannabis for nerve pain, almost always through a private clinic, because NICE has not recommended it on the NHS. Clinics typically expect gabapentin or pregabalin and at least one other treatment to have been tried. Whether it is suitable for you is the specialist's decision.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and does not constitute medical advice. The evidence base for cannabis-based medicines varies by condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Wording last changed on .

Overview

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system rather than tissue injury. It produces burning, shooting, or electric shock-like sensations and is notoriously difficult to treat with standard analgesics. Common causes include diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, sciatica, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Common Symptoms

  • Burning, shooting, or electric shock-like pain
  • Allodynia (pain from normally non-painful stimuli, e.g. light touch)
  • Hyperalgesia (exaggerated pain response)
  • Numbness or tingling sensations
  • Pain that is worse at night

Conventional Treatments

Typically tried before medical cannabis is considered

  • Gabapentin
  • Pregabalin
  • Duloxetine
  • Amitriptyline
  • Lidocaine patches
  • Capsaicin patches

Eligibility Notes

Evidence that gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin) and at least one other agent have been tried is typically expected. A confirmed neuropathic pain diagnosis from a pain specialist, neurologist, or similar is helpful.

How to get a prescriptionFive questions clinics usually ask

This page covers how to get assessed. What the research says about treatment for Neuropathic Pain will be added here once it has been reviewed by a qualified professional. Your specialist is the person to ask about treatment.

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Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. The evidence base for cannabis-based medicines varies. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your treatment.