Treatment for 'pins and needles' pain.

[fbirder]

My parathesia is sometimes bad enough to wake me in the middle of the night - when it feels as if needles are being slid under my toenails. Paracetamol doesn't help and I can't take NSAIDs (previous GI bleed). Codeine works wonders, but I daren't take it more than twice a week.

I did a bit of research on diabetic peripheral neuropathy and found a few options. Interestingly, my GP immediately suggested one of them - amytriptaline - but I thought the side-effects of gabapentin might be less serious,

Has anybody tried either of those (or pregabalin) for this? Or am I unusual in having it so bad?

[fbirder]

All I can say is - Wow!

I've only been on the full regimen (3 x 300mg a day) for three days, but the difference is remarkable. I've been sleeping through the night with no getting woken up by somebody inserting re-hot needles alongside my toenails.

Even on just 1 tablet a day I felt the benefit. I think that, after a couple of weeks, I might drop down to 2 x 300mg a day to see if that still works.

[CazzyP in reply to fbirder]

Thanks for the update fbirder! ... I have MS and Gabapentin has been recommended to me for nerve pain but I worry about side effects ( mainly drowsiness and weight gain ) ... But if it helps it's hopefully worth it! ... So you haven't experienced any side effects?

Sounds great for you x

[fbirder in reply to CazzyP]

It's a little early to tell as I've only been on the full dose for four days and my blood levels will still be rising. I've not noticed any drowsiness during the day so far (although I did spend most of my time in the cinema last night asleep, but that may have been the fault of the movie - Spectre).

I probably feel less drowsy during the day because I'm getting a proper night's sleep every night.

If weight gain is a problem I'm just the sort of person to suffer. I've lost 12 kg over the last 18 months and I'd be most upset if it went back on.

[CazzyP in reply to fbirder]

Thanks so much fbirder! ... It is sounding very good for you so far! I've a friend who's been helped immensely by Gabapentin and she's no ill effects from it so hopefully you'll be lucky too regarding side effects! ... I do worry about the drowsiness as my MS leaves me in a constant state of drowsy so I don't wanna add to it :/ ... I will try it soon but will start with 100mg and break in slowly with it... Take care, thanks and lol Spectre doesn't sound like it's worth going out of my way for then? x

[CazzyP]

Hi fbirder ... Just wondered how everything's going for you and Gabapentin?

Hope all's well x

[fbirder]

So far, so good. I've not lost a single minute's sleep to needles being stabbed in my toes. And I don't seem to be having any side-effects.

I do find myself having afternoon naps - but I did that before my PA.