A comparative study on the effect of duloxetine hydrochloride, venlafaxine hydrochloride, and pregabalin on the sensory symptoms in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy

Abstract

Background: Peripheral neuropathic pain is a common disorder in patients with diabetes mellitus, which causes significant disability. Various treatments for this disorder have been proposed. This study aimed to find the best medicine for treating these patients (in short-term pain relief) via a comparison between duloxetine, venlafaxine, and pregabalin. Methods: 115 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy participated in this study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of duloxetine (60 mg daily), venlafaxine (37.5 mg daily), and pregabalin (300 mg daily). At the end of the sixth weeks, pain severity and duration (hours per day) were evaluated and compared in three groups. Findings: The severity of pain after 6 weeks of treatment in the duloxetine group was significantly lower than the other groups (P = 0.030). However, the mean difference in pain intensity in the three groups was reduced, but there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.174). Regarding the duration of pain, it was found that after the treatment, the duration of pain was not significantly different between the groups (P < 0.050). Conclusion: There was no difference in the results of treatment with duloxetine, venlafaxine, and pregabalin in reducing pain in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. Therefore, one of the drugs can be prescribed according to the conditions of the patient. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.