Elderly patients experience more neuropathic pain conditions (and therefore more neuropathic pain) than do younger patients. The elderly also usually require lower dosing and more monitoring due to certain potential adverse effects.
Topical analgesics have shown the most promise for neuropathic pain among this demographic. Either in patch or gel form, lidocaine (5%), capsaicin (8%), and ketamine (1%) can offer patients relief with few adverse effects and a positive therapeutic outcome.