Neuroleptic drugs are often prescribed to help patients with nerve type pain (which typically shows as leg pain) and for patients who have neuropathy (degeneration of the nerves). These drugs can also be helpful for patients who have continued nerve pain in the arm or leg after surgery or an injury.

While it is not well understood why they help relieve pain, patients may take neuroleptic drugs safely for prolonged periods of time. Recent research has shown patients may develop addiction, tolerance have misuse with concurrent opioids. As an example of a neuroleptic medication, gabapentin (e. g. Neurontin) is commonly prescribed in dosages of 300-400mg taken three times daily. Side effects may include fatigue, dizziness, or nausea. Other types of neuroleptic drugs include Lyrica, Horizant, Gralise, Dilantin, and Tegretol. Many anti-depressants work similar to neuroleptic medications by altering the way pain is perceived. This is class of medications, like most medications, have an array of potential side effects.