Neropathic burning pain, GERD, Anticonvulsants, antidepressants,
 

I was given some Valproate yesterday for the burning sensations I've just started to get in my feet and legs. But it wasn't as bad last night and after reading the patient information sheet stating there's a risk of death from liver and/or pancreatic failure I was scared away from trying it. But I've also read that waiting too long to medicate neuropathic pain can make it difficult to bring under control, so I'm on the fence about it. And maybe the amitriptylene I'm taking is worsening my GERD and I should try switching to an anticonvulsant? I don't know what to do. Also, which anticonvulsant is best for burning? I'm thinking maybe I should have asked for Neurontin instead. I could always change things when I see my GP on Monday. Any suggestions?

Valproate has some down sides.

1) It can cause hormone disruptions in men and women.

2) it is hard on the liver

3) it causes a depletion of carnitine over time. This itself can lead to fatal events.

So valproate is not very popular anymore, when at one time it was.

Most people with nerve pain use either Neurontin or Lyrica for their anticonvulsant. Tegretol and Trileptal can cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels).
Some use Topomax but that has side effects on the kidney (stones) and eyes.(glaucoma)

Doctors generally feel that Neurontin and Lyrica have the lowest serious side effect profile.

His first suggestion was Neurontin. Guess I should have gone with that one. I can ask my GP on Monday to change it. It's not so bad today either though. Perhaps it was being off the supplements because of the GERD that did it.

Man, I just developed this problem last July and saw my first neurologist in October and there are people here who have been suffering for decades. That is so scary. I sure hope I can find the reason for this and get rid of it. I'm only 49 and already have so many chronic, unexplainable conditions. I really don't need another one at all. I'm more worried about that really, than finding out I've got some incurable, fatal cancer, but perhaps that's the depression.

I started on Gabapentin last June, and I'd strongly suggest you ask your DR to start you out low, with 100 mg capsules. Maybe even just moving up 100 mg a day, as I did. I had a day or 2 of unpleasant "high"s with it, even moving up slow. I think many have gotten scared off by Dr's prescribing 300mg doses, which, I think, would really be much for people to get used to. After I moved up higher on my dosage, I found that moving up 300mg at a pop didn't do much more than give me nice feelings in my feet (for awhile) but not much "high". After a time, all you'll probably notice is some poor short term memory and a bit of tiredness, along with the edge taken off your pain. Gabapentin is the generic form of Neurotonin, and less expensive. Some people swear by Lyrica, but it is expensive, and I've heard it can be hard to get off of, if need be. I think Lyrica is also a controlled substance, like opiates and tranquilizers. MrsD will correct me if I'm wrong, but I really only have my own experience to go by.

OK I'll askfor 100 mg Gabapentin. Lyrica is not yet covered under the Ontario Drug Plan.