Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain From Diabetic Neuropathy

Posted on Wed, 22 Jul 2015

Question: Hi. I have severe pain at nights from diabetic neuropathy. My doctor retired unexpectly and I have run out of tramadol 50 mg. per night. Acetaminophon 650 mg does not work and makes me feel ill. What can I take until I get another doctor?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Painful diabetic neuropathy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question.

I feel really sorry after going through your question.

With the age of 71years, without knowing your heart, liver and kidney status and without detailed clinical examination it is really difficult to advise you medicines for diabetic neuropathy pain.
As almost all of the effective medicines for painful diabetic neuropathy may be contraindicated in older age due to risk of heart, liver and kidney injury.

You should consult new doctor for diabetes as early as possible.

Till that time use
- Acetaminophen as advised.
- Capsaicin cream for local application may help.
- Pregabalin 75 mg at night (use cautiously if there is heart disease or advanced nephropathy) may help.
- Keep your diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol under control.
- Avoid smoking if you smoke.

Hope I have answered your question.
I will be happy to answer your follow up question if any.
Otherwise you can close the question and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (22 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. I kept good records of my general health before my doctor retired and I take naturopathic suppllements. My blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol are excellent. I am 5 feet 2 inches and weigh 110 pounds. Is tramadol 80 mg. - one at night only - safe?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Tramadol is relatively safe option after all other medicines fail.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your follow up question.

When all other medicines fail to control pain of diabetic neuropathy, Tramadol is relatively safe option as compared to other available options.

Only dose of tramadol need to be titrated according to effects and side effects with close watch on Respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate and signs of tolerance or abuse.

If you are taking Tramadol 50mg once a day at night without having any side effects you can continue it safely.

Hope I have answered your question.
Please close the question and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T