Hi Markashburner

Welcome and sorry to hear the problems your girlfriend is having.
To address specific problems you asked about – firstly I'm not a doctor – just someone who's had problems with medication reactions in the past and also have a chronic autoimmune condition. Like you I came here looking for answers.

To try and keep it short: The psychiatric medications and symptoms aren't something I know much about but from reading data safety info the Stilnox/Ambien seems it could be responsible for her initial disorder.

You say she's currently on both Prozac and Mirtazapine – these are both antidepressants – has the doctor explained why she needs 2 and have they/you looked at possible side effects and interactions?

From what I've read here on NT the burning sensation sounds like a form of Peripheral Neuropathy – there are over 100 different types of neuropathy and as many causes. And yes drug reaction can be one of the causes – including reaction long after meds have been stopped. Whether damage is due to the medication (or combination of meds.) or other contributing factors: diet, illness, injury, alcohol etc is difficult to tell. Treatment is usually based on first trying to find a cause (many never do find a cause and this may be labeled as idiopathic PN). Depending on cause improvement may or may not be possible. In your girlfriend's case it does sound like it may be drug induced PN. Sorry I can't tell you off the top of my head if it is curable - searching the forums for drug/medication PN may help to find if others had success and what they tried.

Finding a good PCP who is fully informed of her condition, willing to listen and work with her to help, would be another place to start. Try not to overwelm your girlfriend with too much information all at once – it may just confuse her more. Small steps – ask her at each new step if she is willing to try something. Do you have a support group in your area – talking to peers going through the same thing can help to feel less isolated.

Sorry my knowledge is limited but thank you for sharing your story. On a personal note you have already helped me – I've been taking Zopiclone (Lunesta in the US), sporadically for insomnia. Zopiclone's a 'sister' drug to Ambien, and although I was aware of the potential for addiction, I was unaware of potential severe side effects. Thank you for that.

Your girlfriend's lucky to have someone like you to support her. Stay strong for her. Please let us know how you and she are doing and just ask if you have more questions.