[QUOTE=Synnove;1013129]It has been a long battle for me getting the most effective medication for my neuropathy, (SFN, and long fiber, sensory motor and autnomic neuropathy) and the battle is not won yet.
I started out with Gabapentin a year ago, and had to increase the dose constantly until I was on such a high dose. I had side effects with dizziness and sometimes difficulties with certain coordinations and orientation.
I was switched to Lyrica. The same here, I needed high doses. I was up to 500 mg daily. This med has some similar effects, but not as severe. I can tolerate it better. But now, my neurologist suggested a combination of Amitriptyline and Lyrica. I think he feels this is the best med for the neuropathy.
I started slowly to introduse Amitriptyline in a low dose. And then, after this was getting tolerated in the body, they (neuro and rheumy) slowly verry slowly started to reduse the Lyrica. Then we increased the Amitriptyline at regular intervals.
But then, with Amitriptyline up to 50 mg daily, I got severe side effects with dry eyes and mouth. so we decrease again with Amitriptyline and increased Lyrica a little

The neurologist said that the Amitriptyline should be increased very slowly, so I will try. He said with very slow increase the body will tolerate it. I hope I will be able to tolerate the Amitriptyline and some Lyrica ( but low dose)


Hi Synnove

How are you doing with the Amitriptyline & Lyrica? Its been and still is a long battle for me too. I take 300 mgs Lyrica for Small fiber Neuropathy. It took 9 months to get here and the Lyrica is not helping as much as it could. My Neuro doesn't want to increase my dose. I recently started Amitriptyline 10 mgs a night. I also started very slowly. I took 5 mg (split pill) for a couple of mos. It helps me sleep, but I do not see a difference in my pain yet. I'm hoping I do not have to go much higher. I see you got up to 50 mgs. Dont think Ill make it that high. How "slowly" was your increase? Are you still feeling better with this medicine combo? Do you have any side effects with the lyrica? I had a lot of dizziness and my stomach was bloated for the first few mos but thats better now, so far no weight gain. But now my hair is falling out, not patches, but a lot of shedding. Needless to say Im very upset about this. The Dermatologist said to wait 2-3 months to see whats happens before I have to stop taking Lyrica. Did you have this problem with your hair? Sorry for the ramble and all the questions. just confused and depressed. Thanks..