4 Common Medications That Cause Peripheral Neuropathy (And What to Do About It)

By Dr. John Coppola On Feb 26, 2026

Many people don’t realize this.
Some medications that cause peripheral neuropathy are prescribed every day.
Over time, they may contribute to nerve damage.

Let’s break down four common types of medications that can cause nerve damage — and what you can do about it.

⚠️ Important: Never stop taking medication without speaking to your doctor. Many prescriptions require careful tapering and medical supervision.

1. Anti-Anxiety and Sleep Medications

Many anti-anxiety and sleep medications (especially when used long-term) have been linked to peripheral neuropathy and nerve dysfunction.

Common Examples:

Ambien (Zolpidem)
BuSpar
Valium (Diazepam)
Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Xanax (Alprazolam)
Ativan (Lorazepam)

These medications work by suppressing nervous system activity. Over time, this suppression may interfere with normal nerve signaling and repair.

Why This Matters for Nerve Health

Your nerves depend on healthy electrical signaling and proper blood flow. Sedative medications can impact:

Nerve communication
Sleep architecture (which affects nerve repair)
Nutrient absorption

If you’ve been using these medications long-term, it may be worth discussing:

Gradual tapering plans
Natural sleep strategies
Nutritional support for nerve repair

2. Antidepressants and Peripheral Neuropathy

Antidepressant use has increased more than 400% since the 1980s. Today, 1 in 4 adults takes some form of antidepressant.

Common Antidepressants:

Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Celexa / Cipramil (Citalopram)
Cipralex (Escitalopram)
Zoloft / Lustral (Sertraline)
Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Mirtazapine
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline
Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

A Special Note About Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Cymbalta is commonly prescribed for nerve pain and diabetic neuropathy.

However, research and clinical observation show it may worsen nerve damage in some individuals, especially with long-term use.

It is also known for difficult withdrawal symptoms, including:

“Brain zaps” (electric shock sensations)
Dizziness
Fatigue
Increased nerve sensitivity

If you are prescribed Cymbalta for neuropathy, make sure you understand the risks and ask about alternative treatment options.

Never stop Cymbalta abruptly — it must be tapered slowly.

3. Calcium Channel Blockers (Blood Pressure Medications)

High blood pressure medications are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide.

While many are safe, a class called Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) has been associated with nerve damage in certain patients.

Common Calcium Channel Blockers:

Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac)
Nifedipine (Procardia)
Verapamil (Calan SR, Verelan)
Felodipine
Isradipine
Nisoldipine

How They May Affect Nerves

Calcium plays a critical role in nerve signaling. Altering calcium channels can interfere with:

Nerve transmission
Muscle coordination
Peripheral circulation

If you’re experiencing new tingling, numbness, or weakness after starting a CCB, talk to your doctor about:

ACE inhibitors
ARBs
Beta blockers

There may be safer alternatives that protect both your blood pressure and your nerve health.

4. Statins and Nerve Damage

Statins are taken by more than 200 million people worldwide to lower cholesterol.

But they are also among the most frequently reported medications linked to peripheral neuropathy.

Common Statins:

Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
Pravachol (Pravastatin)
Zocor (Simvastatin)
Livalo (Pitavastatin)
Lescol (Fluvastatin)
Altoprev (Lovastatin)

Potential Nerve-Related Side Effects:

Peripheral neuropathy
Muscle pain and weakness
Memory problems
Increased diabetes risk

Statins may damage nerves by:

Depleting CoQ10 (essential for nerve energy production)
Damaging the myelin sheath (the protective coating around nerves)

Are There Alternatives to Statins?

In many cases, cholesterol can be improved naturally through:

A clean, low-carb or ketogenic diet
Intermittent fasting
Regular exercise
Reducing inflammation

For those who require medication, doctors may consider non-statin options like:

PCSK9 inhibitors (Repatha)
Fibrates

Always discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Symptoms of Medication-Induced Nerve Damage

If you are taking any of the medications listed above, watch for symptoms such as:

Tingling in hands or feet
Numbness
Burning sensations
Electric shock feelings
Weakness
Balance problems

These are classic signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Early awareness is critical — the sooner nerve irritation is addressed, the better the chance for recovery.

Protecting Your Nerve Health

Medications can be life-saving — but they are not without risk.

If you suspect your prescriptions may be contributing to nerve pain:

Schedule a medication review with your doctor
Never stop a medication abruptly
Ask about safer alternatives
Support nerve repair with proper nutrition and circulation

Your nerves have a remarkable ability to heal when you remove the underlying stressors.

Being informed is the first step.

Struggling with Neuropathy?

Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro’s dedication to combating neuropathy is deeply personal, stemming from Dr. Monteiro’s experience with her mother’s severe chemo-induced neuropathy. This personal journey fueled their commitment to develop a systematic, drug-free approach to reversing neuropathy.

They founded the San Antonio Neuropathy Center, where they’ve successfully treated over 18,000 patients over the past two decades. Their acclaimed book, “Defeat Neuropathy Now in Spite of Your Doctor,” along with their neuropathy product line, stands as a testament to their expertise and innovative solutions.

Recognized as two of America’s foremost neuropathy specialists, Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro offer a beacon of hope for those diagnosed with this challenging condition. If you or a loved one is seeking relief from neuropathy, reach out to us at 844 400-0101 or email us through our contact page – Click here.

Your path to healing can start today.