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.
Sciatica Treatment [posted
1/5/99]
Question: I recently had a bad bout with Sciatica and ended up with a diagnosis of
narrowing of the space between L5 and S1. I also was left with the bottom of my left foot
numb and a lot of pain. After trying Vicodin, which was no help, I saw a Neurologist who
prescribed Neurontin. Up to 3, 300 mg pills a day. It helps the pain. Now I am starting to
take Ultram as part of a clinical study. Should I quit the neurontin? I am trying the
ultram as a last chance before two TKRs. I am in my late 50s, in good shape, and quite
active.
Answer: Why quit if what works? If you check these questions, you will see a lot
of people who wish that something would work.
Sciatica, Effexor, and Tegretol
[posted 7/23/98]
Question: My 65 year old mother had surgery for a baker’s cyst 2 years ago and has
been in constant pain since then. She has been through several procedures to determine
what exactly is the source of this pain. One of her doctors (in her HMO) thinks she has
Sciatica, which may have been her original problem. Most recently she was put on Effexor
by one doctor and Tegretol by another. What is the Effexor for and is there any
contraindications between these 2 drugs? Also, do you have any input on how to manage
sciatica pain?
Answer: Effexor and Tegretol are used for several purposes, but in this context,
for management of chronic pain. There is no obvious problem with taking the combination.
Sciatica is sometimes difficult to manage. I assume she has had Physical Therapy, heat,
ultrasonics and an aggressive trial of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories? Next would be
Nerve stimulators, local steroid injections (or possibly epidural injections). Also, has
she had a CT of her back or EMGs to determine the point source of the pain? Sounds like
they are not completely sure where the nerve is being irritated. I would ensure this is
done.
