Neuropathic
pain is currently treated primarily
with two classes of medications.
This would be the anti-depressants
and the anti-seizure medications
and Dr. Latov speaks of these
and other medications used for
neuropathic pain. It has been
discovered that these medications
do help many neuropathy patients,
but sometimes the side effects
are worse than the symptoms
and so each patient must decide
if they are worth using. The
dosage and the combinations
of these medications must be
worked through by the patient
with the doctor in a patient
trial and error. As of now,
I know of no other way to find
what works for you.
This is where patient awareness of the pain scale 1 to 10 is very important as you communicate with the doctor, working through the issues of what works and what does not work. Remember, if 10 is the level of pain where you pass out and 1 is just a nuisance, then 5 is where your ability to perform daily tasks become very difficult and by 6 impossible. With practice, it will amaze you how skillful you can become. There are times when pain or other symptoms are better expressed in a range over a period of time. Examples would be the burning sensations have been a 2 to 4 or a 4 to 7 helping you and the doctor see where you are with the medications. But remember, if you get 80% relief from pain, this may be as good as it gets with current options.
The specifics of these medications are listed and many other options are discussed in Dr. Latov’s and Mims Cushing’s books listed under the resource tab of this web site.
The burning sensations are a very common problem and the options for treatment are discussed under the separate question about the burning sensations in this FAQ tab. From the experience of patients, the medications above seldom help with these burning sensations.
Opiates are often used for break through pain and for some are very helpful. It is recommended that every option be worked through carefully before using the opiates as they often require increasing dosages with unwanted side effects that become more of a problem than the symptoms you are trying to address.
Dr. Latov in his book and many neuropathy patients have reported reducing pain by the use of Alpha Lipoic acid (600 to 800 mg) especially pain from diabetic neuropathy.
You may also want to find a good Psychologist to help with cognitive therapy to find ways (relaxation techniques, visualization techniques) to utilize your own body’s ability to increase natural chemicals which we know reduce pain. This may sound strange, but they can teach you techniques to help in this regard and it sure is worth a try. There is a good Psychologist from the University of Alabama by the name of Beverly E. Thorn, PhD, A.B.P.P, who spoke of this very issue at the Neuropathy Summit in Washington DC in 2010. She or her staff may be able to recommend someone in your area.
See the question on physical therapy and exercise in this tab and if you want a complete discussion of medicines for the treatment of neuropathic pain, read Dr. Latov’s book (see Resource Tab at this web site).
This is where patient awareness of the pain scale 1 to 10 is very important as you communicate with the doctor, working through the issues of what works and what does not work. Remember, if 10 is the level of pain where you pass out and 1 is just a nuisance, then 5 is where your ability to perform daily tasks become very difficult and by 6 impossible. With practice, it will amaze you how skillful you can become. There are times when pain or other symptoms are better expressed in a range over a period of time. Examples would be the burning sensations have been a 2 to 4 or a 4 to 7 helping you and the doctor see where you are with the medications. But remember, if you get 80% relief from pain, this may be as good as it gets with current options.
The specifics of these medications are listed and many other options are discussed in Dr. Latov’s and Mims Cushing’s books listed under the resource tab of this web site.
The burning sensations are a very common problem and the options for treatment are discussed under the separate question about the burning sensations in this FAQ tab. From the experience of patients, the medications above seldom help with these burning sensations.
Opiates are often used for break through pain and for some are very helpful. It is recommended that every option be worked through carefully before using the opiates as they often require increasing dosages with unwanted side effects that become more of a problem than the symptoms you are trying to address.
Dr. Latov in his book and many neuropathy patients have reported reducing pain by the use of Alpha Lipoic acid (600 to 800 mg) especially pain from diabetic neuropathy.
You may also want to find a good Psychologist to help with cognitive therapy to find ways (relaxation techniques, visualization techniques) to utilize your own body’s ability to increase natural chemicals which we know reduce pain. This may sound strange, but they can teach you techniques to help in this regard and it sure is worth a try. There is a good Psychologist from the University of Alabama by the name of Beverly E. Thorn, PhD, A.B.P.P, who spoke of this very issue at the Neuropathy Summit in Washington DC in 2010. She or her staff may be able to recommend someone in your area.
See the question on physical therapy and exercise in this tab and if you want a complete discussion of medicines for the treatment of neuropathic pain, read Dr. Latov’s book (see Resource Tab at this web site).
4 التعليقات:
diabetic neuropathic pain can also affect the nerves that serve the heart and control blood pressure, as well as nerves in the lungs and eyes.
There are several advanced diagnostic tools available to check and judge the vulnerability of the patient such as Biothesiometer, ABI Vascular Doppler, Monofilament kit, neuropathy equipment etc and this equipment is being manufactured and distributed by some of the leading Diabetic foot care companies.
Commonly used agents, including the recently approved duloxetine and pregabalin, are reviewed, and their effective dose ranges, titration schemes, contraindications, and recommended monitoring are discussed, so neuropathy equipment is must.
The diagnosis, prevention, and management of painful diabetic neuropathy. This condition can be difficult to treat, which frustrates both providers and patients, so neuropathy equipment is must.
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