This is just a huge subject. There are primarily two ways PN may be "treated".

1) Most of the people with PN can only be helped palliatively. This means by reducing symptoms of pain, burning and numbness.

2) The second way is by using agents to modify the disease process. IVIG and Rituxan are examples of this. Also if the PN is secondary to autoimmune issues, reducing autoimmune antibodies may modify the disease process in some patients.
Those agents are classed as autoimmune drugs, which suppress antibody production in the body.

3) Patients with hereditary PN, do not have treatments yet other than symptom reduction types.

This is an old list of treatments I made years ago. It does not include supplements, because we have a separate thread now on this forum for that: statements in red are added today by me.
This thread will deal with the treatments by group and the next thread will start with the AED... anti-seizure drugs. These can block signals being passed on by nerves from reaching the brain.
I found some technical explanations for some of the drugs, which may be helpful in the post for those taking them.

edit: quick link to amitriptyline and nerve growth factors:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...=amitriptyline

I work with Deplin and just want clarify a few things. Metanx is part of the Pamlab family along with Deplin. Deplin, which is high L-methylfolate, has indication for depression symptoms. Metanx, has the unique indication specific for DPN. Metanx works by addressing the inadequate nutrition which may lead to nerve damage. Please visit the Metanx or Deplin website for more patient information. Hope this helps.

Thank you David.... we are very very familiar with Metanx.

I only include Deplin here as an RX version of methylfolate since this list is RX examples. People with MTHFR mutation may use Deplin also.

FDA requires an RX category of any folate 1mg or over.
People can purchase methylfolate OTC from the Solgar supplement company at 800mcg/tablet (.8mg).

Folate BTW is not a huge player in PN management. Metanx's
main benefit is the methylcobalamin.
Those with the MTHFR mutation however have higher homocysteine levels and can benefit from Metanx (and folate in general). Some drug treatments deplete folate, and may be used by patients with PN.... methotrexate, NSAIDs, Prednisone, H2 antagonists, HRT, Sulfasalazine, etc.

This is an interesting discussion, but as always consult with your doctor. For eample, Aleve(naproxen) moved me very close to chronic kidney failure.

Yes, all the NSAIDs carry risks. In fact all the drugs on this list are risky in some way. NSAIDs also increase the risk of cardiovascular incidents.

This list is not for people to self medicate with....it is to illustrate the various types of medications that may work to relieve some
pain of neuropathy.

As I get time I am going to make individual posts on each group. But the holidays have delayed me somewhat.

There is one more disease modifying drug that is very common in autoimmune disease/neuropathies...Plaquenil. It's an anti-malarial used as a DMARD.

It may not actually 'fix' the neuropathy, but it does aid in control/slowing progression of autoimmune disease...therefore possibly indirectly helping the neuropathy.

Maybe I should have waited to comment when you address that particular group. Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing your comments on Plaquenil.

I have 5mg valium nightly. Could that be making my NP worse? I am thinking of asking my GP for some anti depressants but not sure which ones as I also am on coumdin

SSRIs affect bleeding times, and are not recommended for
patients on blood thinners.

And yes, Benzodiazepines may make neuropathy worse.
What do you take the Valium for?

I suffer with depression and Valium has been helping to keep my demons away. I have read on the internet that anti depressants can also be a treatment for neuropathy. I commenced prisiq 3 days ago and already my feelings of shaking has subsided. I intend to wean myself off the valium but that has to be done slowly I believe.

Does anyone have any experience with neuropathy from chemotherapy? I want to relieve my friend's pain so bad. She is suffering from neuropathy on her thigh/hip area. I don't know where to start. Her oncologist only seems to treat her cancer (Stage 4 Cervical Cancer that was treated and rid her of the cancer for a short time). She has recurrent cervical cancer right now. She is already on roxicet and oxycontin and that does not help. She said she did get some relief with Xanax. She also was given some marijuana that helped a lot. She is not a usual pot smoker - but she was desperate! Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any help would be appreciated.