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Suggest OTC Medication For Postherpetic Neuralgia

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Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2015
Question: Can you suggest something OTC for postherpetic neuralgia? The area affected, following Shingles, is on the back of my head, partially covered by my hair so creams are very messy in this area. I do prefer something applied topically.
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Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Carbamazepine/Amitriptyline/capsaicin cream/Lidocaine topical

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

Some of the common medicines for post herpetic neuralgia are-
1)Anticonvulsants-like carbamazepine,Gabapentin and Pregabalin
2)Antidepressants-Amitriptyline
3)Topical medicines like Capsaicin cream and Lidocaine.

Capsaicin cream applied locally may bring good results.However,oral medicines as listed above may bring good results.

Hope that I have answered your query.If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to answer else please close the thread,rate it and write a review as your rating will be of help to me.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (7 minutes later)
I do not like to take the oral meds, have tried them, and ended up with constipation that caused another set of problems! Just my opinion, however.
The topical items you suggested confirm what has been suggested previously, just very messy when the head/hair is involved . Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Topical medicines as listed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for being in follow-up.

I can understand your discomfort with the oral medicines.The tropical medicines I have listed above are the only proven topical therapeutic agents.If these also cause discomfort to you,please discuss with your treating physician to develop a rational holistic approach of management for you which may include alternative therapies like naturopathy,acupuncture as well.

Hope that I have answered your query.If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to answer else please close the thread,rate it and write a review as your rating will be of help to me.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ajay Panwar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1827 Questions

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Suggest OTC Medication For Postherpetic Neuralgia

Brief Answer: Carbamazepine/Amitriptyline/capsaicin cream/Lidocaine topical Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com. I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query. Some of the common medicines for post herpetic neuralgia are- 1)Anticonvulsants-like carbamazepine,Gabapentin and Pregabalin 2)Antidepressants-Amitriptyline 3)Topical medicines like Capsaicin cream and Lidocaine. Capsaicin cream applied locally may bring good results.However,oral medicines as listed above may bring good results. Hope that I have answered your query.If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to answer else please close the thread,rate it and write a review as your rating will be of help to me. Regards Dr.Ajay Panwar, MD,DM(Neurology)