Hi Daryl @constitution, Welcome to Connect. I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy but only have numbness for symptoms so there are no drugs that help me. I can understand not liking the side effects. Have you discussed the side effects with your doctor or neurologist? Does the gabapentin help?

I'm not sure peripheral neuropathy has any component that is psychological other than the pain it brings you which is what the drugs are made to help reduce or eliminate. There is another discussion which may be helpful for you to see what others are doing to help with their pain.

> Groups > Neuropathy > Ideas for pain relief from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ideas-for-pain-from-small-fiber-neuropathy/

I posted my story and what has helped me earlier on Connect here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-here-dealing-with-peripheral-neuropathy/?pg=42#comment-65985