Which prescription medication helps you best for peripheral neuropathy

Hi @sport1776
I'm sorry for your suffering. I too have PN, so I can empathize.
The first step, as others have mentioned, is to get a specific diagnosis, as there are many forms of PN. Some of the forms of PN are treatable by addressing the underlying cause (if known). In my case, and many others, the cause remains unknown, even after an extensive work up (which is best done by a neurologist).
After the work up, the standard treatment is to start with gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica). They both act very much the same. The proper dose is determined by experimenting (with your doctor's advice).
Another commonly used medicine is some form of antidepressant, such as duloxitene (Cymbalta). Again, the proper dose varies with the individual. These types of medicines tend to have a dual effect. They help with depression, which many patients with PN develop. They also seem to have a separate analgesic effect.
There are numerous creams and lotions, some over the counter, that can be tried. Also, alternative methods such as acupuncture, meditation, supplements, vitamins, etc. Barry Shears in this forum discusses neuroplasticity.
It is important to maximize your physical surroundings. If your feet are burning, cool them, and vice-versa. Wear comfortable shoes (Ugg type boots help me the most). I wear flip flops whenever I can (even in the winter, but I live in moderate California). Also, I find my feet hurt less when I am walking.
Unfortunately, my experience, and that of others, is that nothing works particularly well. There are some new drugs being investigated, but I don't see anything coming to market any time soon.
I have found that the most helpful thing for me is attitude. As time goes on, I have come to accept my condition more, and try to continue as much of my pre-PN life as possible, rather than succumb to the temptation to give up. Most importantly, I try not to become fearful of the future, which only serves to create more anxiety, resulting in an increase in symptoms.
Good luck, and I hope you find some relief from your pain.

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Jeffrapp, that was an excellent post, it sums up everything perfectly! I especially liked the part about worrying about the future which I have to try to limit. Helen

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My question is. I have had peripheral polyneuropathy for 15 years and the best thing I have taken is Lyrica. My pain is getting progressively worse. It is actually ungodly. Is there anything new out there that I can take? I can’t take much more of this. Thanks, Gil Haisten

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Hi @sport1776
I'm sorry for your suffering. I too have PN, so I can empathize.
The first step, as others have mentioned, is to get a specific diagnosis, as there are many forms of PN. Some of the forms of PN are treatable by addressing the underlying cause (if known). In my case, and many others, the cause remains unknown, even after an extensive work up (which is best done by a neurologist).
After the work up, the standard treatment is to start with gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica). They both act very much the same. The proper dose is determined by experimenting (with your doctor's advice).
Another commonly used medicine is some form of antidepressant, such as duloxitene (Cymbalta). Again, the proper dose varies with the individual. These types of medicines tend to have a dual effect. They help with depression, which many patients with PN develop. They also seem to have a separate analgesic effect.
There are numerous creams and lotions, some over the counter, that can be tried. Also, alternative methods such as acupuncture, meditation, supplements, vitamins, etc. Barry Shears in this forum discusses neuroplasticity.
It is important to maximize your physical surroundings. If your feet are burning, cool them, and vice-versa. Wear comfortable shoes (Ugg type boots help me the most). I wear flip flops whenever I can (even in the winter, but I live in moderate California). Also, I find my feet hurt less when I am walking.
Unfortunately, my experience, and that of others, is that nothing works particularly well. There are some new drugs being investigated, but I don't see anything coming to market any time soon.
I have found that the most helpful thing for me is attitude. As time goes on, I have come to accept my condition more, and try to continue as much of my pre-PN life as possible, rather than succumb to the temptation to give up. Most importantly, I try not to become fearful of the future, which only serves to create more anxiety, resulting in an increase in symptoms.
Good luck, and I hope you find some relief from your pain.

Jump to this post

I have a question for someone? Todayi was prescribed a topical ointment...Diclofenac sodium for pain resulting from my Knee Replacement Surgery. It has been a year today! Still painful.Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has used this for neuropathy?I am thinking of using it on my feet especially at bedtime for pain. Anybody?

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Hi @sport1776
I'm sorry for your suffering. I too have PN, so I can empathize.
The first step, as others have mentioned, is to get a specific diagnosis, as there are many forms of PN. Some of the forms of PN are treatable by addressing the underlying cause (if known). In my case, and many others, the cause remains unknown, even after an extensive work up (which is best done by a neurologist).
After the work up, the standard treatment is to start with gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica). They both act very much the same. The proper dose is determined by experimenting (with your doctor's advice).
Another commonly used medicine is some form of antidepressant, such as duloxitene (Cymbalta). Again, the proper dose varies with the individual. These types of medicines tend to have a dual effect. They help with depression, which many patients with PN develop. They also seem to have a separate analgesic effect.
There are numerous creams and lotions, some over the counter, that can be tried. Also, alternative methods such as acupuncture, meditation, supplements, vitamins, etc. Barry Shears in this forum discusses neuroplasticity.
It is important to maximize your physical surroundings. If your feet are burning, cool them, and vice-versa. Wear comfortable shoes (Ugg type boots help me the most). I wear flip flops whenever I can (even in the winter, but I live in moderate California). Also, I find my feet hurt less when I am walking.
Unfortunately, my experience, and that of others, is that nothing works particularly well. There are some new drugs being investigated, but I don't see anything coming to market any time soon.
I have found that the most helpful thing for me is attitude. As time goes on, I have come to accept my condition more, and try to continue as much of my pre-PN life as possible, rather than succumb to the temptation to give up. Most importantly, I try not to become fearful of the future, which only serves to create more anxiety, resulting in an increase in symptoms.
Good luck, and I hope you find some relief from your pain.

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My pain doctor prescribed Diclofenac sodium for my PN over a year ago. I use it on my feet whenever I need to wear shoes and on my hands when they are painful. It does a pretty good job of relieving my pain in those areas. It is now available full strength under the brand name Voltaren and I have just tried it and it works just as well. I would use it on my feet at bedtime when I frequently have pain but I find ice packs work for me and I only need them for about 15 minutes and then my pain goes away for the rest of the night. BTW, I take gabapentin 3x a day and tramadol as needed for break through pain. It's not perfect but makes my life somewhat manageable. I could not do with any one of these.

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I have a question for someone? Todayi was prescribed a topical ointment...Diclofenac sodium for pain resulting from my Knee Replacement Surgery. It has been a year today! Still painful.Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has used this for neuropathy?I am thinking of using it on my feet especially at bedtime for pain. Anybody?

Jump to this post