Has anyone tried anti-depressant medication for neuropathic pain?

Posted by greenacres @greenacres, Nov 13, 2021

I'm wondering how many people in this community with neuropathic pain have been prescribed some form of an anti-depressant along with or without Gabapentin to help ease the pain and if anyone has found this protocol helpful?

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tarheel22 | @tarheel22 | Apr 11, 2022

I believe it is very common practice. My experience - lots of side effects, little pain relief.

callalloo | @callalloo | Apr 12, 2022

In reply to @tarheel22 "Cleveland Clinic has had a program since 2015." + (show)

My PCP and other doctors are at Cleveland Clinic so I'll look into it forthwith. Thanks!

cwallen9 | @cwallen9 | Apr 12, 2022

In reply to @tarheel22 "Have done IVIG and Ketamine injections and Scrambler treatments to no avail. Am currently considering a..." + (show)

I am on a waiting list for Ketamine injections at George Washington University Hospital. I have severe painful neuropathy in my feet, legs, hands, and arms, as well as neck and back pain. It resulted from a failed cervical steroid injection. Can you describe the Ketamine injections that you had and who gave them to you? Did insurance cover any of it?

smigal | @smigal | Apr 12, 2022

In reply to @tarheel22 "I have had painful neuropathy in my hands and arms for over two years. I had..." + (show)

I have been on venaflaxine and it was good. Trying to get back on it next week.

smigal | @smigal | Apr 12, 2022

In reply to @cwallen9 "I am on a waiting list for Ketamine injections at George Washington University Hospital. I have..." + (show)

I have been taking a compound ketamine nasal spray and it helps as well.

cwallen9 | @cwallen9 | Apr 12, 2022

In reply to @smigal "I have been taking a compound ketamine nasal spray and it helps as well." + (show)

Does your insurance cover it? Is it very expensive?

smigal | @smigal | Apr 12, 2022

No its expensive $90 a bottle and it only lasts a month. Moved to Calif and no longer have that doctor. So if I decide to use it again I will have to find a pain doctor who would prescribe it.

cwallen9 | @cwallen9 | Apr 13, 2022

In reply to @smigal "No its expensive $90 a bottle and it only lasts a month. Moved to Calif and..." + (show)

Do you think it was worth the cost?

buster49 | @buster49 | Apr 13, 2022

I have had good relief with amitriptyline 20 mg hope this helps

tgregg99 | @tgregg99 | Apr 14, 2022

I took 10mg nortriptyline for awhile for pain management (spinal issues), and in the process of taking it I found that taking it did provide some relief for my PN numbness (toes), and I slept well too. However, the minor sedation effect upon waking was not working out, so I tapered off the nortriptyline. I tried Gapapentin once after my PN diagnosis but it did not relieve my PN numbness so I stopped taking it. A 500 mg acetaminophen tab at bedtime does help me sleep, as does wearing warm thick socks. So far, I've found no lasting relief for my PN numbness but I'm scheduled to see a new neurologist soon for a discussion, so my search continues.