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Anyone tried a time release medication for peripheral neuropathy?
Neuropathy | Last Active: Sep 14, 2022 | Replies (66)Comment receiving replies
Hi Chris @artscaping I'm so happy that you're finding relief with the Cymbalta. It's great to read something positive in the support groups. My husband has painful peripheral idiopathic neuropathy in his feet and is currently taking 900mg Gaba (300x3), Doxipene 5mg at night (smallest possible dose) and uses THC. He gets out and walks almost every day 3-5 miles and is in lots of pain afterwards but feels it's important to keep moving and keep his body strong. He also does acupuncture and uses Topricin cream morning and night which also helps a little. He has not tried Cymbalta as it's a similar drug to the Doxipene which he's currently taking and has a sleep aid component. I'm wondering if he should try switching the Doxi to the Cymbalta (via a doctor) to see if he can get off of the Gabapentin. I had read somewhere that Cymbalta might work better for women when it comes to neuropathy. I can't imagine why it would matter if you're male or female. Personally, I've learned more from this support group than from several different neurologists, a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic foot specialist. Thank you for your posts. Michelle
Replies to "Hi Chris @artscaping I'm so happy that you're finding relief with the Cymbalta. It's great to..."
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Good afternoon Michelle. Thanks for your reply and the additional information about your husband's efforts to live with and regulate the medication he has tried for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. First, a question. Has your husband received a diagnosis? Did any of the neurologists request a skin biopsy? There is a difference between Small Fiber Peripheral Neuropathy (SFPN) and idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy (PN).
The only medication that I noticed might be more helpful than we think is Gabapentin. Three weeks ago I had a Total Knee Replacement. At first, the medications were for the surgery and recovery...delaying my normal daily efforts to mitigate my SFPN. The first thing that happened was a return of intense "tingle tangles" and pain in my hands, wrists, and lower arms. Obviously, those parts of my body missed the daily dose of 600 mg of Gabapentin that I was taking every evening. I have tapered off from 1200 mg but I sure won't go any further.
You are correct, Dioxepene appears to have similar effects to Cymbalta. I replaced Nortriptlene with Duloxetine (Cymbalta). I briefly used Doxipene for a neuropathic itch problem but feel the Cymbalta is better for anxiety and depression which in turn can create more pain.
One more question......what is the purpose of the 3-5 miles a day that is worth such extreme pain? Sometimes we have to let go of activities that are no longer of value. I, too like to walk and most days can do 1-2 miles. The 5 mile days are a part of my past which I have replaced with a wonderful Yoga program that we do every morning to stretch muscles and build stamina.
I am glad that you are finding Connect helpful. We are always here for you.
Chris