I would suggest that you do a lot of research on opiates before you accept advice on Internet forums. I have heard a lot of scare tactics, but realistically you become dependent on them for your pain relief, not addicted. Addiction is a psychological response, when you crave them for emotional reasons. Pain relief is a legitimate usage, unlikely to result in true addiction, and opiates have few side effects compared to many other drugs.

That said you want to try anti-seizure meds and always take as low a dosage as possible to achieve functionality, not total pain relief. That is too much.

Welcome to Neuro Talk. Lots of us have PN. MrsD is correct about B12. I have been on shots for a year, coupled with a few other treatments. There are compounds that do help. They have 4 or 5 different meds in them. It rubs in and does ease the hurt. I also use Lidocane patches on the worse of the spots. This too numbs the area so that it is tolerable. I also do have a narcotic, two different ones. Hydrocodone, and Percocet. I try very very hard not to take any at all, so my doctor has trusted me with them. On occassion when the pain just gets really bad, I have something to help. Seek a pain specialist. I see a physiatrist who specializes in the whole body approach, including vitamines. Her speciality was pain control. I know PN is lousy, find some good doctors who have a bit of empathy, and mention these medications. For a list of the compounded meds. PM me, I can read them off the lable for you. The conbination of all of the above got me out of a wheelchair and walking better. I wish you all the best as you go forward in trying to find some help. ginnie