Diabetic Nerve Pain-Drug Treatment

7062 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by breezeonby, Jul 9, 2010

breezeonby

Discussion Starter · Jun 27, 2010

I have been doing on some research on Lyrica. My podiatrist & PCP want me to try this drug for diabetic nerve pain. I am currently taking Neurontin (Gabapentin) for neuropathy in my feet. I am also having problems with my left hand and my PCP says that my EMG that I had done in December 2009 did show that I have neuropathy in my hand. The EMG was done to see if I had carpal tunnel syndrome and I had carpal tunnel release surgery in February 2010. I have some questions and despite doing alot of research on diabetic nerve pain (DPN) I have not been able to make a decision regarding switching drug treatment. I am in the process of tapering off Neurontin to get ready to crossover to Lyrica. The research that I have done on the internet has been somewhat disturbing regarding the feedback of patients who have taken Lyrica. I am trying to keep an open mind knowing that most people who have found the drug helpful would probably not go to the effort of stating so on a forum or bulletin board. I frequently use a couple of drug databases who encourage people to report the effects of drug treatment. Lyrica is one of only a few drugs available for the treatment of diabetic nerve pain. My research findings show that Lyrica is a very powerful drug and it has alot of side effects. 1 out of 10 people give it a good rating and most claim that it is a terrible drug and to avoid it. Once Lyrica is started, you must stay on it and taper off for safety reasons. Neurontin was effective for me but I experienced fecal incontinence while on it and my podiatrist & PCP said it would be best to get off of it. I am now undecided as to whether I want to take Lyrica. Does anyone have any experience using Lyrica or know someone who has taken it for diabetic nerve pain? My pain level is about an 8 out of 10 so I need to be on something and keeping my blood glucose under control has not made any difference in the pain level. I am also consider seeing a neurologist to seek another opinion. What other options do I have?

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tusharnalini

· #2 · Jun 27, 2010

The best symptomatic relief in painful diabetic neuropathy, I have found, is by nitroglycerine lingual spray being applied topically on feet. I can send scientific evidence for the same if anyone is interested.

Hope this helps

Tusharnalini.

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scratch

· #3 · Jul 4, 2010

I'll add this from my perspective only, I found by researching that the drug Cymbalta can be used for diabetic neuropathy, and I'm now on it for anxiety. I do not have the symptoms of any diabetic nerve pain, BUT I have found while taking this drug that my sensory input has dulled significantly. Enough so that if I get slapped hard I barely feel it. I end up with a large red handprint on me and it hardly stings in the least.

It is pretty weird, but it seems to be doing something. You may want to ask your doctor about it.

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breezeonby

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 4, 2010

scratch said:
I'll add this from my perspective only, I found by researching that the drug Cymbalta can be used for diabetic neuropathy, and I'm now on it for anxiety. I do not have the symptoms of any diabetic nerve pain, BUT I have found while taking this drug that my sensory input has dulled significantly. Enough so that if I get slapped hard I barely feel it. I end up with a large red handprint on me and it hardly stings in the least.

It is pretty weird, but it seems to be doing something. You may want to ask your doctor about it.

I had a really horrible experience with Venlafaxine (Effexor). Duloxetine (Cymbalta) an SRNI are closely related as far as the action that your brain under goes while taking the drug. I had so much nausea while taking Effexor that I won't entertain the thought of trying Cymbalta. 50% of those who ditch Cymbalta is do to the constant nausea. When it comes down to putting up with a side effect, I would rather put up with a headache than being nauseated. Thanks for the suggestion and I am glad that you found something to help with your anxiety.

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Shanny

· #5 · Jul 4, 2010

scratch said:
if I get slapped hard I barely feel it. I end up with a large red handprint on me and it hardly stings in the least.

Darn, scratch! I hope it doesn't get tested like THAT very often!

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breezeonby

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 9, 2010

Update

I saw my PCP today and I told him about my concerns about taking Lyrica. He told me if I wanted to stay on Neurontin that he didn't see a problem with it. So, I will be titrating my dose back up to where I was 6 weeks ago. My PCP is going to be prescribing the Neurontin. I don't see the point in seeing a podiatrist just to get a prescription.

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