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Why Only Diazepam And Zopiclone Worked So Fast To Relieve Symptom While So Many Medications Failed? Are There Similar Medication Like Diazepam Or Zopiclone That I Can Try On A Long Term Basis? Who Else Can I Consult Except Family Doctor?
Question: Hi Doctor,
I'm suffering from non-stop heavy sensation of pins & needles in the throat and sometimes in the whole half neck(right or left side) completely disabling me/making me can’t lead normal life at all.
The location of the sensation switches in between the right side and the left side of my throat/neck along the lining of larynx but it never stops. There are multiple factors leading to my current symptom, including thyroidectomy in May 2014, very serious hypothyroidism/endocrine disorder after the surgery, reflux history after the surgery and viral infection of stomach flu etc. The symptom used to be well reduced for a whole year by talking valium/diazepam and I led normal & happy life for that year until a stomach flu triggered the symptom again about two years ago.
After seeing so many doctors, trying various medications and treatment with failure, it is recently found by accident that the sleeping pill of "zipoclone" gave me significant relief from throat/neck symptom soon after taking it. The effect lasted for hours and I was able to function like a normal person during these hours.
I believe that my problem is a neurological disorder. I want to focus on problem solving. I am wondering why only diazepam and zopiclone worked so fast to relieve symptom while so many medications failed? Are there similar medication like diazepam or zopiclone that I can try on a long term basis? Who else can I consult except family doctor?
Thanks,
Joyce
I'm suffering from non-stop heavy sensation of pins & needles in the throat and sometimes in the whole half neck(right or left side) completely disabling me/making me can’t lead normal life at all.
The location of the sensation switches in between the right side and the left side of my throat/neck along the lining of larynx but it never stops. There are multiple factors leading to my current symptom, including thyroidectomy in May 2014, very serious hypothyroidism/endocrine disorder after the surgery, reflux history after the surgery and viral infection of stomach flu etc. The symptom used to be well reduced for a whole year by talking valium/diazepam and I led normal & happy life for that year until a stomach flu triggered the symptom again about two years ago.
After seeing so many doctors, trying various medications and treatment with failure, it is recently found by accident that the sleeping pill of "zipoclone" gave me significant relief from throat/neck symptom soon after taking it. The effect lasted for hours and I was able to function like a normal person during these hours.
I believe that my problem is a neurological disorder. I want to focus on problem solving. I am wondering why only diazepam and zopiclone worked so fast to relieve symptom while so many medications failed? Are there similar medication like diazepam or zopiclone that I can try on a long term basis? Who else can I consult except family doctor?
Thanks,
Joyce
Brief Answer:
The problem may be neurological or psychological.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Pins and needles are disturbances of sensation that arise mainly from neurological conditions.
These conditions affect nerve fibers ( neuropathies ) or central nervous structures ( compression on certain parts of brain, spinal cord, or damaged of them such in cases of stroke, etc.)
So, it is necessary to be evaluated by your Neurologist about conditions such peripheral neuropathy, brainstem issues such ministroke, transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, Chiari malformation, etc.
In cases of exclusion of these neurological conditions that may cause such symptoms, the problem then remains psychological and Psychologist's opinion is necessary.
Diazepam, zopiclone promote a higher level of a neurotransmitter that causes sedation and anxiolytic effect ( GABA ).
Zolpidem is a similar drug that may be used relatively longer ( up to six weeks )
However, treatment ways should be clear after a correct diagnosis is achieved.
Discuss with your Neurologist about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
The problem may be neurological or psychological.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Pins and needles are disturbances of sensation that arise mainly from neurological conditions.
These conditions affect nerve fibers ( neuropathies ) or central nervous structures ( compression on certain parts of brain, spinal cord, or damaged of them such in cases of stroke, etc.)
So, it is necessary to be evaluated by your Neurologist about conditions such peripheral neuropathy, brainstem issues such ministroke, transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, Chiari malformation, etc.
In cases of exclusion of these neurological conditions that may cause such symptoms, the problem then remains psychological and Psychologist's opinion is necessary.
Diazepam, zopiclone promote a higher level of a neurotransmitter that causes sedation and anxiolytic effect ( GABA ).
Zolpidem is a similar drug that may be used relatively longer ( up to six weeks )
However, treatment ways should be clear after a correct diagnosis is achieved.
Discuss with your Neurologist about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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