How do antiseizure drugs treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Antiseizure drugs typically are used to treat epilepsy, but they're also prescribed to treat nerve pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Common types of antiseizure medications-also referred to as anticonvulants-are pregabalin, gabapentin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and topiramate. Although the exact reasons why these medications help nerve pain are unknown, it may be their ability to calm the symptoms of damaged nerves.