alternatives for neuropathic pain

[micox]

Hi. As alternatives to the usual Pregabalin, can Bezodiazepines like Diazepam or Lorazepam be used to manage neuropathic pain. And yes, I know they are addictive but so is Pregabalin.

[Paintablet74]

Hi. I've been on Pregabalin for around 5 years. I haven't tried or been offered anything else like diazepam. All I know is that if I run out of Pregabalin I am quite ill. Sends me into a semi depressed feeling and I am unable to function as normal.

[cyberbarn]

Generally, no, Bezodiazepines work differently to the other drugs that are usually used for neuropathic pain. This website gives a list of treatments that you might find helpful, but you should really discuss this with your doctors or pharmacist.

[Defenders]

I have neuropathic pain. I take Gabapentin for pains in my legs and the neuropathic pain. It doesn’t get rid of the NP but masks it somewhat. Pregabalin is a Gabapentinoid, and obviously so is Gabapentin, but the treat pain differently. I tried Pregabalin, it didn’t suit me so I stopped it.

[greekqueen]

Diazepam didn't do a thing for me, Gabapentin did and does for the last ten years or so.

[vivikin]

Hi are you having a problem with Pregablin? if so i would definitely discuss it with your pain specialist i have been taking it for 10 years alongside Amitriptlyline and Zapain (co-codamol) and early problems disappeared after i had been on it for some time although you do need to make sure you don't miss any doses or run out because the side affects are not nice if that happens. I think we are all different and what suits one doesn't always suit another but thats what the pain clinic is for to find what suits you. Good Luck

[micox in reply to vivikin]

The huge problem (excuse the pun) is substantial weight gain.

[vivikin]

I take 600mg per day and must admit i did put on weight and then joined slimming world after i had been on it for about 6 years just to see if it was possible to lose the weight whilst still taking it and lost 3 stones but again i guess it comes down to how much you take and everyone is different but if it works on your pain then i wouldn't be too quick to change it maybe try losing the weight first and definitely don't stop taking it without talking to your GP or pain specialist first either way i wish you luck.

[etheral]

I have neuropathic pain from botched C5 C6 dissectomy. I took pregabalin for years but stopped because of the side effects. I have found Valium to be very helpful taken with or without pregabalin. It seems most effective for the secondary muscle spasms.

[Kingsley09 in reply to etheral]

How often do you take Valium and what dosage as in like to try it as pregabalin isn’t a lot of help and I get a tight feeling in my neck but pregabalin doesn’t do a lot for the tightness

[etheral in reply to Kingsley09]

Usually take 10 mg as needed, really helps with the stiffness and tightness. Pregabalin is much bettr for the actual neuropathic pain..

[Kingsley09 in reply to etheral]

I have been given it in hospital when I’ve had a bad neuropathy flare up and I have a few that I was sent home with so I think I will give it a try for a few days but I know in uk they don’t like you to take them as they say they are addictive but I laugh because pregabalin is addictive as a dr has said to me and I know myself as I’ve tried to come of pregabalin several tines without success thanks for your reply

[Yellow-sun]

I was put on lorazopam for a week while in hospital and found it took my muscle spasms and pains away,put I was told I couldn't stay on it after being discharged from hospital, I'm on amitriptyline but does not work for my muscle spasms like lorazopam did,I wish I could of stayed on it

[Newby31]

I foundPregabalin and Gabapentin did help with nerve pain ( From damaged spinal nerves) but I had enormous weight gain. I could put up with other side effects but not weight as I have arthritis in most joints… I am prescribed just 10 x 5mg diazepam tabs a month and I use one with heat pads for a few nights every week or two when my muscles cramp all down my legs and feet. I really wish I could find something to help with nerve pain down my legs into my feet though apart from cocodomol which I hate.