Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?

I know of only two prescription drugs, from personal experience, that help relieve my neuropathy symptoms: Hydromorphone HCL (Dilaudid), a synthetic opioid, and Zolpidem Tartrate (Ambien). That’s right – the sleeping pill Ambien, a sedative-hypnotic. An analogy might be to consider neuropathy as a type of “fire”, with Dilaudid being a “fire extinguisher”. Been trying to get a prescription for Dilaudid but no luck. As a last resort, I am now using medical marijauna, suggested to me by a palliative care nurse, which I think is analogous to fighting fire with fire. It helps some. I am also taking all the known supplements that may support the body’s efforts to repair or even regenerate dead, damaged and dying nerve tissue. Doing Epsom Salt warm foot baths, Lidocaine cream on my feet, both of which, along with light exercise and whatever else I can discover, provide some temporary relief. It does not seem likely I can reverse this neuropathy, stop the progression of it, or even slow it down. However I am giving it the college try.

@erichendrix

Thanks for your post very informative. what dose of Ambien do you take and does it not make you sleepy? do you take it during the day? Would love to hear a response

jeff

@jnemeth1214

Sorry for the late reply; I have been struggling. The cancer came back. When I first started taking Ambien, I noticed right away it was giving me relief from my neuropathy symptoms. So, the question is "can I take it during the daytime hours?" I can't imagine any doctor would prescribe a sleeping pill like Ambien for daytime use. I'm not a doctor and I can't advise you about how you should take this or any other medication. About all I can say is do what you think will help. That's what I do.