Your Neuropathy Questions
Answered

Question

Hi....I wish you had information on which medications will help a diabetic who has neuropathy pain. - Brenda S.

Answer

Hi Brenda. Thanks for stopping by. The best place to go for information on which medications will help a diabetic with neuropathy pain is to a physician. There are some medications which can help, but it is trial and error for each person and their specific needs and conditions. My research shows that antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and local anesthetics may be helpful in releaving pain. Either in combination or alone. Medications such as ibuprofen or morphine have been shown to have little if any effect in alleviating the pain.

When speaking with your physician, some drugs to ask about are:

• Antidpressants - Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline.
• Anticonvulsants - Carbamazepine, Felbamate, Valproic acid, Clonazepam, Gabapentin and Phenytoin
• Local Anesthetics - intravenous application of lidocaine, tocainide or mexiletine can often provide relief

By your taking the time to learn about these medications, their uses and side effects, it will help put you in control of your treatment plan.

Keep us posted!

Question/Comment

I have had peripheral neuropathy for over a decade. It was caused by the drug Floxin, a fluoroquinilone. I was given a prescription for a bacterial infection (which it turned out I didn't have). The PN was diagnosed by my surgeon and confirmed by an extensive examination and electronic study at the Podiatric center at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. The only treatment that has helped me is Anodyne Therapy. I have had a machine for years. I use it twice a day, 35 minutes on each foot and calf morning and night. Combined with Seroquel, which allows me to get to sleep and to sleep despite the ongoing pain during the night. With the AT treatments I can be up and around six or so hours per day. Without it (as when I had to have the unit repaired) I can barely walk. It is very frustrating to not be able to find information about non-diabetic neuropathy, particularly medication-caused PN. I guess that's because it's either not identified, is confused with diabetic PN or is not reported. Sure would like more possiblities for treatment. I do take Neurontin and Alpha Lipoic Acid, but doubt that they are effective. - Joel L.

Answer/Response

Dear Joel, First, let me apologize for my delayed response. We recently had a death in our immediately family, and our life has been a bit upside down since. I am so sorry to hear of your situation. I believe that the reason there isn’t more about non-diabetic neuropathy because it is a newly realized condition. I also think that the doctors don’t have all the answers as to what causes it and that is the reason, so much of PN is listed as being unknown causality. I do not have any other advice to offer you, but I am posting your comment on our website and maybe someone else will be in touch regarding their own situation and how they are coping. Hopefully, more treatments will be evolving and soon!

Question

I have had peripheral neuropathy for 6 years and nothing seems to help. I have taken gabapentin amitriptyline, triamcinolone acetonide . I have had absolutely no relief. What would you suggest? -Bea W.

Answer

Unfortunately, everything I have researched shows that treatment is through trial and error. In a previous question, I pointed to some potentially helpful meds which I see you are already taking some of these. I would recommend researching the others and talking with your physician to see what other variations you can try. If you aren’t getting anywhere with one physician, be sure to research in your area about other possible specialists who may have other treatment ideas. Good luck!