I have read about Lidoderm pain patches giving many relief. I was wondering, do they effect any other drugs you are taking orally, including other pain meds? Thanks....

I have been using Lidoderm patches for my burning pain for years. I'll get my friends on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome respond to this one.
Cyndy

no effect on other drugs...
They work predominately on a local level.

Some people may be hypersensitive to them, but that is not
common.

I often get by with 1/2 a one. They can be cut...and keep in airtight ziploc so they won't dry out, if you cut them.

They don't stick well if you sweat alot.
Remove oils, or any soap residue before applying to clean dry skin (intact skin).

The biggest down side is that they don't stick well.

mrsD, so it's ok to shower with them?

I like the fact that they can be used for burning, as well as other types of pain...

No... they do not stand up to any moisture.

If you search here "Lidoderm" there are several threads on PN.

One goes into detail about placement. I am not feeling so terrific today, so I cannot repeat it now.
But placement is very important IMO for success with Lidoderms.

You use them 12 hrs on and 12 hrs off. They are not like fentanyl or nicotine patches that are left on longer.

mrs. D is so right ,they work so well,try them you willl like them. Sue

Lido patch and other meds
Hi Cyndy et al,

I did some research on this medication. The major issues with the lido patch and other meds are heart medications. If you are on any cardiac medications like antiarrhytmic drugs.....ie: tocainide (tonocard) or mexiletine (mexitil)
or any other local anesthetic as this could build up the amount of lidocaine in your system. Main issue is cardiac and if you take a lot of migraine medications that is also a concern as it effects your blood vessel tone and it can interfere with the lido patch if you are using MAX dose of the patch!!!
If you are using one patch for the 12 hours as suggested you should be fine with the patch and migraine meds. If you are using 3 patches on your whole body just be careful.

Also to note is that if you have any liver disease be careful as the lidoderm may not be cleared from your body in the appropriate way as you may have dificulty in metabolizing it.

That's all I can think of at the moment....please all add to what I've said!!

take care all,
love and hugs,
Victoria

Do not leave them on 24Hrs. This WILL enable more lidocaine into your system and become problematic.

I have seen posts in the past where doctors have even told pain patients to leave them on 24hrs. That should NEVER be done.

I have never used more than one. In fact you can get substantial relief from 1/2 or less depending on where you put it.
Placement is everything for these. If you put them in the WRONG place, they don't work, and may cause more pain...throbbing etc. Putting on end points of perceived pain doesn't work well. Placing them over the path the nerve takes to the spine, is best. They don't work instantly and need every day attention. They totally stopped my severe MP pain within 14 days of use--in a row. I had that nasty pain for years, and it is mostly gone now. A little twinge if I overextend the leg too much but that is nothing compared to what I had before! I think the lidocaine stopped an overfiring nerve, and the nerve stopped doing its thing and forgot to overwork. My thigh is no longer numb either! I consider that the best pain intervention I have ever had!

Even when using on the back you can get by with 1/2 on each side. I have done that in the past.

Like MrsD said, placement is key. I have Small Fiber PN and it's mostly in my feet. I use a half patch (or full patch) on each foot. High on the achilles tendon or the top of the foot near the ankle bone seem to be the best spots.

They were tested safe for 12 hours on/12 hours off, but no more. My Pain Specialist stated that 14-16 hours is fine, but not to get any closer to 24 hours than that for the reasons stated above.