Hi Chris,
I wasn't able to function on gabapentin or topamax due to walking around like a zombie, so I totally understand your situation. I refused to try medications in the beginning but realized that constant pain and insomnia is awful, and makes depression even worse. I finally found the right medicines that are working for now at least, and allow me to function. Hopefully you can find the cause and begin treatment to feel better...this forum has given me so much information that has been extremely useful. The supplements suggested here have made a difference for me as well. Thanks to Mrs. D and many other posters here you can find answers that your Drs. may be unaware of. Keep us posted.

Hi Lukesmom,

Curious as to what works for you med wise? I have only had 3 days of the Amitirptyline at a low dose (12.5) and I am groggy. Also, it has not put a dent in the pain, especially the hands/forearms. It's a great pill as a sleep aid but not sure for more than that....

Cliffman

It takes at least a month or more to start working on pain.

Hi mrsD,

Is that true for most of the meds or mainly for this one?


also I found this link but most of the info is over my head ....any thoughts please?

https://www.jackkruse.com/what-is-pe...al-neuropathy/

Thank you,

Cliffman

Gabapentin and lyrica are generally more effective than amitriptylene. My gp is offering me gabapentin at the moment, but im in no rush. It seems worth giving it a fair trial now your on it. Groggyness for me mostly dissapeared after 1 week.

Thanks Chris......

I brought up amitriptyline to my neuro becuase i said gabapentins side effects are less than desirable. he told me that if side effects are an issue amitriptyline is not the way to go. Said that it has more than gabapentin does. Also said the tough thing with using an anti-depressant of any kind is simply this, if you aren't depressed or dealing with a chemical imbalance it is often counterintuitive. There are many other types of tricycylic anti depressants as well. Pamelor of another that is often prescribed and supposedly is a little better tolerated.

Each drug is different. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant and takes at least a month or more to get into the brain to work on pain. It is the only drug so far showing promise in the peripheral system to enhance growth factors and healing.

Gabapentin and lyrica work in the spinal cord to block pain signals coming in from the periphery. So they tend to work faster, but there is no sign of any effects on healing.
They also go to the brain, but seem faster having effects. Gabapentin was designed originally to help reduce seizures.

Everyone is different and everyone has a slightly different cause of PN. There are over 100 causes. So you cannot expect the exact responses someone else tells you they had.

Thanks for the link Cliffman

Good article - lots of relevant information.

My Dr. suggested taking the 20 mg of amitriptyline at around 6 or 7 pm. I normally go to sleep between 9 and 10pm. This way works so I am not groggy in the morning. I am taking Benfotiamine 150mg, R-ALA 100mg, and acetyl L-Carnitine 400mg, fish oil, magnesium citrate, D3 2000iu, B12.
I still do wake up from pain, but not as much as before I began taking amitriptyline and vitamins. I hope this helps you!