Long story short-I have diabetic neuropathy and every kind of "nerve" medication doesn't work. I have seen 2 neurologists and the second one referred me to a pain clinic, which I went to today. The doctor prescribed me something called Metanx (which he said could take at least 3 months to even start to work, if it works) and also Norco 5-325 2 to 3 times a day. Now I have read that this dosage is similar to Vicodin 5-500 which I have had before for when my first neurologist gave me a few years ago. I have also had this Vicodin when I had my wisdom teeth taken out. Anyway, when I took these Norco today for my leg pain (I am only going to take it when they hurt badly as needed. Such as working or laying/walking for long periods of time) and it did nothing. I had no effects from it whatsoever, it was like taking Ibuprofen or aspirin-it had no effect on my paining legs. I don't know if people have better luck with the Vicodin? Or if it takes a couple of doses to kick in? I see him again next month and I am afraid that I might need a stronger dose? Which makes me uneasy because I am nervous to admit I need painkillers since I am such a young age, it's almost embarrassing. Or it makes me sound like a junkie, and I don't want that reputation. Anyway, any body's opinion/help/advice would really help me out. If anyone has experience with neuropathy and painkillers or just with Norco itself? Thank you so much.

Sorry to hear you have this at your age. Did they max you out on lyrica and elavil cocktails at first? 600mg lyrica and 30mg elavil works for many although its around top dosage.

ethosmas, some types of nerve pain do not respond to narcotics of any kind or any dosage. It certainly is worth trying a higher dose, but that still may not work for you. I hope you find something to relieve your pain

Hi I am sorry about your pain. Are you seeing a pain doctor? In my experience they work better with pain control,meds,and other treatments then lets say a gp or neurologist. I was on vicodin for a very short time but was told that for nerve pain it was not that effective and long term can make one process pain more. I think though for myself a once an awhile med like this could be of benefit though my doctors don't like the use of narcotics. I think everyone is different and it is about what is best for you. I would encourage you to talk to your doctors about it and also your feelings.

Yes, as I stated I went to the pain clinic yesterday and talked to a pain doctor. I told him about my concerns and everything about being labeled as a "junkie" and everything. He basically told me if I use it correctly, like I do my insulin, I won't get that label and things like that. He was very kind and believed it when I told him about the pain. It seems like every time i go into my neurologist or the pain clinic, they always say "You're too young to be here" and I know that, but I can't help that I have diabetes and neuropathy. Its just very frustrating. I have tried a lot of Lyrica in the past, and it made me gain about 60 pounds in a very short amount of time, so they decided that it would NOT be best to continue taking that. I still have the weight-it's so hard to keep up with exercising and work out often because of my legs and arms. I will ask about a higher dose, I am just really unsure about how to go about it. I am going to try to tough it out for another month until I see him again. Thank you everyone

there are many types of medications that can be used to control pain besides lyrica or vicodan. anti depressants such as elevil (amitriptylene), wellbutrin etc. anti convulsents such as topamax, neurontin and lyrica as well as narcotics such as vicodan and methadone. Quite often combinations of the above are used. if the vicodan doesnt work for you at a higher dose or you want to try something milder first but perhaps more effective for nerve pain such as wellbutrin or elevil do a little research and speak up for yourself. In the end it is you who will have to live with the pain and side effects not the doctor.