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Suggest Treatment For Postherpetic Neuralgia Symptoms
Question: Thank you for listening to my questions. My husband, 74, mid stage Alzheimers patient, active, and alert, is suffering now with post herpetic neuraglia . XXXXXXX was given an antiviral,, prednisone, and gadapentin( sp?) persists.. This week, blisters both side around back to stomach healing, but internal pain persists. Yesterday new diagnosis ofphn. Increased medicine, with a possibility of Lyrica(I am hesitant about this for him).
He is taking the medicine and I have him at acupuncture and laser scheduled 3 times, today, Monday and Friday next). Is there anything else I can do to help him be more at ease?
He is taking the medicine and I have him at acupuncture and laser scheduled 3 times, today, Monday and Friday next). Is there anything else I can do to help him be more at ease?
Brief Answer:
Lyrica is generally safe.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for posting your query.
I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and I would try my best to help you.
I have noted your husband's clinical details. Based on this, he is suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). I agree it is a painful condition, and can last for several weeks.
Both gabapentin and pregabalin (lyrica) are safe and effective medicines. The medicine is started at a lower dose and it is gradually increased to avoid the side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
Amitriptyline can also be added at nights to relieve pain and improve sleep at the same time. The usual dose is 25 mg once daily.
Capsaicin cream can be applied over the skin of the affected area to get relief from pain.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Lyrica is generally safe.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for posting your query.
I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and I would try my best to help you.
I have noted your husband's clinical details. Based on this, he is suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). I agree it is a painful condition, and can last for several weeks.
Both gabapentin and pregabalin (lyrica) are safe and effective medicines. The medicine is started at a lower dose and it is gradually increased to avoid the side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
Amitriptyline can also be added at nights to relieve pain and improve sleep at the same time. The usual dose is 25 mg once daily.
Capsaicin cream can be applied over the skin of the affected area to get relief from pain.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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