Have developed the most painful neuropathy in my feet due to my longstanding RA and now back problems. GP has prescribed Duloxetine (off licence as usually only for diabetic neuropathy which I haven’t got) and I’d like to know what experiences others have had by way of effectiveness, side effects etc if you’ve also taken it for neuropathy only.
Is there a good time of day to take it and does it work fairly fast cos I would happily chop off my feet at night they hurt so much! Thanks in advance and hope to hear positive things! X
Written by
Amnesiac3637
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Have you asked if your doctor thinks a foot massage machine would help? I use one sometimes…..and SOMETIMES it does ease the discomfort. I’m not diabetic either…in fact my neuropathy is caused by nerve compression in my spine & I’m about to have various consults to see what treatment would help.
I have had to go privately for this…but maybe it’s available on the nhs where you are.
Hi AC. No, hadn't thought of massage machine so whenI see her I’ll ask. Thanks for the suggestion.
My back is most likely causing my feet if you see what I mean. I have developed foraminal stenosis and since that appeared my feet have given me hell at night so I need something but am very reluctant to have yet another drug added to the general mix. The consultant seems to think my latest JAK may have failed and I now have almost no options and until my RA is back under control I’ve got real problems. All suggestions gratefully received!
These days they are amazingly detailed…they even showed up an injured muscle I had years ago….I’m seeing a neurologist next month…..& my rheumy seems quite encouraging about the treatment that is available.
No, nothing yet. All this arrived very quickly so rheumatology seeing me early in January to assess whole bod and do ultrasound etc. My consultant is excellent, very thorough and caring and now and again rings me to find out how I am! I have hopes that this’ll be sorted out and I can be repaired and ready to carry on.
Good luck with the neurologist and hope you have a satisfactory outcome. All best.
I have pheripheral neuropathy and am on pregabalin increased dose twice these past few months and on max dose due to rituximab exasperating it. I was also on sertaline . I also suffer from fibromyalgia which causes Paresthesia which was also become unbearable. Sertaline was changed to Duloxetine 3 weeks ago. This has made so much difference. The first two weeks caused sleepiness and insomnia also dizziness . I tried taking it at different times and now find the mornings are the best for me.I wear compression socks when things are bad also if I can manage a longer walk I wear them . I have a shiatsu foot massager which helps . I see a podiatrist privately. I need new orthotics to help as my mobility is effected by PN. He is giving me some exercises and said with time it will help. It’s worth seeing a podiatrist my feet have splayed since my last orthotics 2 years ago caused by both RA and PN . I am now 2sizes and 1 width bigger . No shoes fit and husband nearly had a heart attack when I said I need to replace all my foot wear. It’s quite extensive 😂😂 hope this helps .
I get a bad back was told by physio and podiatrist it’s because of my feet due to gait change it often effects the back.
Oh thanks for this. I’m still weighing up whether to take the Duloxitene as I react very badly to any of this type of drug. I had Pregabalin for a nerve entrapment after a slipped disc and I was a constipated zombie for the six weeks I was on it. If things get unbearable I’ll perhaps give Duloxetine a go after Christmas.
I go to a podiatrist regularly (privately) which is really helpful as my feet have changed shape as yours have and I’ll look at a massager as Aged Crone also suggested. It’s all such a bugger as I was doing okay on my second JAK and it’s just stopped being effective so my whole body hurts doing anything at the moment. Am due a cortisone depo shot today so that should give some relief but probably not for the nerve pain.
Glad to hear Duloxetine has worked for you and hope it continues to do so! All best and thanks again.
Hi, I can't comment on the medication but I suffered with neuropathy whilst taking Leflunomide. I ended up buying a foot machine and it helped me so much. I would highly recommend it to anyone suffering from neuropathy. It's a brand called Osito.
I take duloxetine 30mgs in the morning for nerve pain associated with lumbar nerve occlusion and sciatica. I wasn't convinced that it was doing much for me, so after a chat with my GP decided to stop it. Within the week my nerve pain increased quite a bit. I restarted the duloxetine and found a reduction in pain.
I chatted to my GP a few days afterwards she said I can go up to 60 mgs a day if needed. But so far I haven't done so.
But, yes it seems to take the edge off the pain which is worth having.
Thanks Mmrr, that’s encouraging. GP has prescribed 60mgs which is slightly scary and the reason I’m not starting it (if ever) until after Christmas in case it knocks me sideways as usually happens. Too much to do! Since having a very recent depo of 120 mgs of Pred the pain has lessened so I reckon a great deal of it is inflammation rather than nerve pain as my JAK (Filgotinib) seems to have abandoned me. I see the consultant in January so more discussions will undoubtedly be had.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Neuropathy -- Needing some guidance
Duloxetine side effects
Peripheral Neuropathy 
Feet
pregabalin for peripheral neuropathy
