Postherpetic Neuralgia Pain,what works for pain?

[mot]

Postherpetic Neuralgia Pain.
I get this in my eye, teeth,jaw and shoulder. When it is bad it goes all the way down my leg too.
It is a deep aching burning sensation. The skin is not sore.
What can I use to treat the pain from these outbreaks long term?

Thanks,
M

[Lil E]

Try Lyrica. It was made for diabetic neuropathy but a lot of us are using it for sciatica and other nerve pain. It needs to be titrated to find your dose. I take 25mg 3 times a day.

[slipnslide]

Neurontin (Gabapentin) is another drug that is used for Postherpetic Neuralgia Pain.

[Diandra]

Just to add to Lil's suggestion, do try Lyrica BUT, I suggest starting at a very low dose because of the potential side effects. Initially my doc started me, I believe on 50mg and I could not tolerate the side effects. I waited months and restarted at 25mg, also 3x daily(am still on that dose). I did not drive for 2-3 weeks because I was so dizzy but that abated. My neuropathy is also in my face/head/teeth/jaw down my neck and shoulder, arm and back.

I also use Lidoderm patches which are infused with lidocaine(they were actually invented by a doctor who was trying to help his wife cope with PHN pain.) They don't work well on my face because the adhesive is strong and it hurts too much to peel off my face but they work well on my neck, shoulder and back.

I wish you the best. PHN is so difficult.
Take care, Diandra

[mrsdoubtfyre]

I'd get a serum titre of herpes zoster. If it is elevated, I would ask for
further antiviral treatment. Sometimes the virus partially activates but does not cause the skin eruptions. Doctors don't often know this.

The facial pain is difficult. You can try ICE along the facial nerves.
It is difficult applying Lidoderms to the facial area. I don't know anyone who has done this. Use along the back of the neck for the arm/shoulder pain. The oils from the neck can make the patches hard to stick properly.

I had shingles along my right arm and still get pain attacks there and along the right neck. I had a massage once that activated my shingles pain!

Some dietary changes may help. Eating foods lower in arginine, which activates virus replication work for some. Also taking l-lysine may help (at least 2 grams/day).
http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herpes/herpes_diet_information.htm

People who are low in zinc often get viral flares.

I think the Lidoderm patches are the best intervention. Sometimes if you use them daily for a while (rather than prn) the nerve affected does quiet down (and they may no longer be needed).

[mot]

Thanks everyone! My greatest concern is the side effects from these meds. Elavil is another drug that keeps coming up, I have deep nerve pain in my upper teeth when this flairs up all the way down to my shoulder. It also radiates to my eye and temple all on the left side. Comes out when I'm stressed.
I think I will have a HZ titre and see where I am, but I seldom break out in any rash. This time the epicenter of the pain was in my shoulder so maybe the patch might work.
Thanks again

M

[Ricky Rocket]

I tried Neurontin (Gabapentin) for the headaches I get when my Central Pontine Myllonossis flairs up and it only spaced me out with no sucess, I have tried several narcotics includeing Morphine and Demoral. They seem to relax the brain and contol the seziures but it also is rough to continue on these drugs. I am a 2 year CPM survivor and have tried many variations of medicenes to control all my symtoms.

Good luck and may God keep his loveing hand over you my freind.

[marijo]

Some people try Topamax. I have used this for two years and I was happy enough with it. It has a few side effects though, it dampens down your appetite, totally opposite to neurontin, which in my case made me eat enough for a giant, and I put on a lot of weight.
However recently my hair has become very thin, and my doctor, who never really liked me being on Topamax anyway, suggested I came off it. I am now going to startLamotrigine, which is also supposed to help neuralgia. I hate starting new stuff because of the whole new set of side effects, but apparently Lamotrigine has less than other drugs.

[Kandra]

Some people try Topamax. I have used this for two years and I was happy enough with it. It has a few side effects though, it dampens down your appetite, totally opposite to neurontin, which in my case made me eat enough for a giant, and I put on a lot of weight.
However recently my hair has become very thin, and my doctor, who never really liked me being on Topamax anyway, suggested I came off it. I am now going to startLamotrigine, which is also supposed to help neuralgia. I hate starting new stuff because of the whole new set of side effects, but apparently Lamotrigine has less than other drugs.

My neurologist refuses to let her patients try Lamictal as it may cause a rash that can be life-threatening. She's had 2 patients have this reaction so....she won't try it on anyone else. Anyway, good luck!