[Ms.Beans]

Hi there!
My bestie had been suffering from chronic neuropathic pain (long-term complications of viral meningitis). It's been going on for a long time now. He had been on Gabapeptine 900mg x 3 times per day for about 3 months now. He does feel slightly better, but he is yet to have a full day without pain. Some days he stays in bed due to the severity of the pain. So, it's not that great.
His doctor is completely useless (Hooray to free health care!), and it seems I know more about neuropathy than he does. He just says "Keep taking it" :/
When I was in constant pain, I had to research my own treatment, coz the meds they were giving me did nothing (including gabas). Venlafaxine was the thing that helped me in the end, but yet again, everyone is different. Still happily taking it and have little to no pain. A big difference between me and him though is that opioids never worked for me, but they work really well for him. However, it's not really a good idea taking them every day for years. you do develop a nasty wee addiction and get opioid headaches.
Anyhow, I told him he can try antideps (amitryp/Venlafaxine/duloxetine). He is really wary of them though due to his occupation, but at that point, I think, he is ready to try anything.
So, I was wondering about your experiences with pain medication. I looked through a number of papers, and it seems their efficacy is about the same (or trials are inconclusive ha). Also, can you take a combo of anticonv and antideps perhaps? And if anyone did, what was the result?
I'd be really thankful if yous could share your experiences thoughts and advice!

[CANDC]

Hi Ms Beans. Hope you and your bestie find some relief. I am not in a position to recommend prescription meds but there are some links to articles on Psych Central that might be a help.
Psych Central - Search results for Neuropathic pain medication

[AceRimmer]

I have nerve damage pain in my foot from morton's neuroma removal. I found that the cough medicine dextromethorphan helps.

[llleeelllaaannneee]

I have chronic neuropathic pain. Gabapentin worked for me and it did help more over time. Tramadol has helped when I had breakthrough pain but the gabapentin worked better daily. I've heard that two meds usually work best for neuro pain.

Acupuncture has also really helped along with b complex vitamins. My b12 was low and after taking it for a few months nearly all the numbness and tingling went away, freaky!
& magnesium helps me with restless leg at night.

I'm lucky to have a community acupuncture clinic nearby that works on sliding scale because it's best to go regularly. Idk why it works but it does!?!

[Ms.Beans]

Hey, thanks for your replies! Much appreciated

[Angelique67]

I also use daily gabapentin for chronic nerve pain. It does help.

[kvinneakt]

be very wary of venlafaxine. it works, then it fades. it is very addictive, physically. it takes months to wean off. heroin addicts have said vanlafaxine is worse than heroin to stop taking.

you really need to do whatever it takes to get a competent doctor.

[AceRimmer]

I tried Tylenol plus Robitussin. Seems to work better. But I'm not doing that every day.

[ArmyWife09]

I have hydrocephalus and no one can help me. They have tried everything (or almost everything) they finally have a new shot out that I take once a month. I can't tell if it's working or not as I get daily headaches anyways. So frustrating. I'm praying.