Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Peripheral Neuropathy


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.

Medication Causing Neuropathy [posted 7/16/98]
Question: Please tell me if there is any chance that a medication can cause nueropathy. Tell me about mixiletine and amitriptyline.

Answer: Mexilitine has about a 2% incidence of numbness. Peripheral neuropathy would be very rare. Not seen with amitriptyline.

Peripheral Neuropathy
Question: I have been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, which is giving me considerable pain in my feet. I can best describe the pain as a burning, tingling pain. I have an appointment in about a month. Is there anything I can do for myself to ease the pain until I see a neurologist?

Answer: Peripheral neuropathy is extremely painful, especially at night. Sometimes, taking antihistamines (like Benadryl) available over the counter with Tylenol and aspirin can be effective. Peripheral neuropathy tends to be the most painful at night. This may help until prescription drugs are given.

Back to Drug InfoNet Home Page.

Back to Doctor FAQ main page.

Send your impressions, comments, thoughts, etc. to [email protected]
© 1996-98 DRUG INFONET, Inc. All rights reserved.
Last modified July 16, 1998