Duloxetine for neuropathy in feet…….

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi All.

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

[AgedCrone]

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.

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to AgedCrone]

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!

[AgedCrone in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Have you had any nerve conduction tests?

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.

Hope you get some relief soon.

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to AgedCrone]

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.

[J1707-]

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.

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to J1707-]

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.

[welsh12 in reply to J1707-]

Just reading your post from a while ago I was surprised to find my feet with bigger and my shoes too small. Is the meds working for the PN

[J1707- in reply to welsh12]

They have certainly dampened things down along with the compression socks I’m almost pain free

[Amnesiac3637]

Thanks Ajay. It’s all a bloomin’ lottery isn’t it!

[MidnightBlue2001]

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.

Image of Osito foot machine

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to MidnightBlue2001]

Many thanks. I’ll investigate. 😀

[Mmrr]

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.

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to Mmrr]

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.

[Chico95926 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Really be careful of Depo shots. It is a Steroid. Please look it up.

[Chico95926 in reply to Chico95926]

Also would like to say I was in bed for 9 months. The pain in my body took my life away.I was so Damm close to "THE" Black hole! I went for help was given Cymbalta and it gave me my life back.

I could walk or stand for long at first but I do everything and more so than before Cymbalta!!!!Anyone with Nuerophy or Skeltal, MuscoskeletL or inflammatory disease try it. Also start taking Collagen supplements. Collagen rebuilds everything. Muscles, nerves all of it. Just look into it. We all take to much medication! I take one pill and that's Cymbalta. I just turned 68 on the 25th.

Do it with Herbs and vitamins. Pharmalogical Co and Dr's are about the Money! No more "But first do no harm". I hope you'll at least research what I shared with you.

Feel Well My Friend.