Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
I am currently on Nuerontin, 400mg, 4 times a day and MSContin 15mg, 3 times a day, with 2mg Dilaudid for breakthrough pain. Is this the best way to stop the painful tingling and soreness I feel in my feet and lower legs? What other treatments are out? And What are the possible side effects fro these meds?
Advertisement
Response from Dr. Feinberg
In additon to gabapentin (Neurontin), an older class of drugs called tricyclics can be very useful for chronic pain. They must be started at a low dose and increased gradually, so it can take a while to know whether they will work. In your case, I would add a tricyclic to what you're already taking. If a tricyclic like nortriptyline or amitriptyline isn't helpful, you can try one of the seizure medications that have also been used for chronic pain, like carbamazepine (Tegretol). Pain relief can be more predictable if you switch from narcotic pills to a fentanyl patch-- it transfers the painkiller across your skin and needs to be replaced every 3 days.
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.