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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedies For Feet Pain When Diagnosed With Diabetic Neuropathy

I am diabetic fore several years. I have diabetic neuropothy and have taken amitriptalin fore blocking pain in my feet. I was told recently that it is not good to use past age 65. Since I am 72 I am concerned about continuing with this drug. Am I in any danger? E-mail - YYYY@YYYY
Tue, 20 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Dear Sir, Hi & Welcome.

I can understand your concerns regarding the safety of Amitryptiline prescribed for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) mainly prescribed in the treatment of depression is found to be effective for the treatment of inflamed nerve conditions such as diabetic neuropathy.

Its most common side effects include blurring of the vision, dry mouth, increased heart rate, constipation, retention of urine, confusion and hallucination.

In elderly patients these side effects get exaggerated due to decreased clearance of the drug from body due to ageing process. Hence it is not advisable for elderly people.

I would suggest another antidepressant Duloxetine (a serotonin & norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) which can relieve the feet pain with fewer side effects.

Other effective medications which are safe in elderly include Gabapentin or Pregablin.

These medications should be taken along with Methylcobalmin.
Since these are prescription based medications, you are advised to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Besides using medications you must avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
The blood sugar should be well controlled with the prescribed medications.

Hope the suggestions given above would be useful.

Kindly rate the answers if you are convinced.
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Suggest Remedies For Feet Pain When Diagnosed With Diabetic Neuropathy

Dear Sir, Hi & Welcome. I can understand your concerns regarding the safety of Amitryptiline prescribed for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) mainly prescribed in the treatment of depression is found to be effective for the treatment of inflamed nerve conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. Its most common side effects include blurring of the vision, dry mouth, increased heart rate, constipation, retention of urine, confusion and hallucination. In elderly patients these side effects get exaggerated due to decreased clearance of the drug from body due to ageing process. Hence it is not advisable for elderly people. I would suggest another antidepressant Duloxetine (a serotonin & norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) which can relieve the feet pain with fewer side effects. Other effective medications which are safe in elderly include Gabapentin or Pregablin. These medications should be taken along with Methylcobalmin. Since these are prescription based medications, you are advised to consult your doctor for further evaluation. Besides using medications you must avoid smoking and alcohol intake. The blood sugar should be well controlled with the prescribed medications. Hope the suggestions given above would be useful. Kindly rate the answers if you are convinced.