These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Addiction Concerns [posted 12/08/98]
Question: I am taking both Neurontin & Ultram for severe pain in the knees due to O/A. I started on Neurontin due to a bout of sciatica that left the bottom of my foot numb & in extreme pain. Like my foot is in a vice. Question is–how long can I stay on this combination. It does work. But I’m afraid of addiction. I know that the only way the knees will get better is TKR. but I’m not going that route yet. As for the foor pain, it sometimes get’s unreal. Please help me.
Answer: Neurontin seems well tolerated over long periods. Ultram has an addiction potential-try something else. As to the knees, I would at least try the Synvisc injections-worth a try. Also, if you haven’t had physical therapy, very helpful on occasion. Lastly, try topical Zostrix cream for a month to see if it helps the pain.
Thirst: Related to Effedrine Addiction, or a Sign of Diabetes [posted 10/30/98]
Question: I quit taking effedrine (mini thins)about 2 wks. Ago. I am over the withdrawl for the most part but i am still extremly thirsty and hungry and tired. I can get through the day but i still need to nap. Could this drug have caused diebeties or something else? I was taking 120 25 mg. Tablets a day off and on for about 2yrs. The drug also contains 200 mgs. Of guafesen.
Answer: Easy to check your glucose, but probably not.
Over Counter Stimulants [posted 10/2/98]
Question: I have been taking ephedrine which is a over the counter stimulate. the problem is that i have to take them daily to keep myself going.. i have become addicted to them, and take as many as 60 per day… I know this is stupid but i cannot quit!! please send me any info. that you can. i want to stop
Answer: Slowly, cut the dosage about 10 per week until you are off. If you cannot do this see a drug rehab program.
Tylenol PM
Question: I started taking Tylenol PM about a year ago. For the last 6 to 7 months, I’ve been taking close to 25 a day. What are the risk to my health. I know I shouldn’t do this.
Answer: Long term use of acetaminophen will show up in reduced renal functioning as well as potential liver toxicity. The usual maximum dose a day is about 10, 25 will probably cause early renal failure and your liver should be monitored closely.
Ephedrine
Question: Help I`m addicted to ephedrine how do I get off of it?
Answer: Being addicted to ephedrine is similar to being addicted to caffeine. You’ll need to decrease and/or stop. You’ll experience headaches, irritability, fast heart rate etc. But, you will not have seizures or other physical manifestations. Avoid caffeine as well as you stop the ephedrine.
Prenatally Exposed Child
Question: We have an adopted son who was prenatally exposed to cocaine. We know his cognitive and fine motor skills have been affected. Do you know what, if any medical intervention he should need? He is in the process of receiving special education assessments and education. How do we ensure the very best outcome for him? Do you have any sources that we can contact in order to educate the local school? The area we live in is not well versed in cocaine-exposed babies and children. One person in the system we are dealing with thinks that his delays(about 30W at this point) are “just discipline issues.’’ We are a little overwhelmed by the lack of information on developmental delays for cocaine exposed children.
Answer: Fetal exposure of a variety of different drugs can cause both physical, as well as emotional and psychological problems for the child after birth. From your description, it sound like the child you have adopted is having some difficulty with cognitive (or learning/understanding skills), and fine motor (small movements involving the fingers and hands, for example) skills. Although possible due to the exposure to cocaine, other causes should be excluded, as some of them are treatable, especially while the child is young. It sounds like you are pursuing a reasonable course of action- that is, formal developmental and special educational assessments. Once a professional has determined the cause of your child’s problems, you can then start to figure out what can be done for him. A visit to your child’s health care provider would be of great benefit, not only in attempting to determine why he is having difficulties, but to also gain access to the information sources that you are seeking.
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