I'm not an expert by an means, but based on what various doctors have told me, gabapentin is the safest "go to" med for neuropathy. Others can tell you about various antidepressant drugs that can do wonders as well.

I'm in the same boat you are and don't feel I want to take a drug daily when I don't really need one daily. If things ever escalate, it's nice to know they're there, but not yet. I don't mean to keep repeating myself, but the TENS unit I got has been miraculous for me. I was incredibly skeptical which is why I put off getting one for so long, but I'm kicking myself now. It cycles on and off while I sleep, and I don't wake up "buzzing" any more. I was flaring pretty badly tonight after exercising, and within about 30 minutes, I was feeling better after strapping it on.