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Suggest Medicine For Nerve Damage And Back Pain

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Posted on Mon, 13 Oct 2014
Question: I quite my hydrocodone for back pain a week ago & have had problems with severe sleep depravation and body spasms. 3 hours of rest per night for past 6 days.
I have been previously diagnosed with nerve damage in feet and legs, but these restless legs are developing into more of a body convulsion almost like passing a gall stone. l am age 72 and on 10-325 hydrocodone for past 11 years.

got a sleeping pill and any hope to subdue nerve issues?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Advised to take Gabapentin...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

The very first thing is to determine the cause of damage to the nerves in your feet/legs:
- peripheral neuropathy: diabetes, kidney problems?
- central nervous system problems

In either cases, further investigations are needed to rule out the above-mentioned problems:
- diabetes testing
- kidney function tests
- Doppler echo of blood vessels in your legs
- measure blood vit.B and electrolytes to exclude deficiencies
- neurological examinations peripheral nerves
- measure uric acid level

Once the right cause is determined, specific treatment will be prescribed that will reduce your pain.

The treatment of pain when nerve is damaged include:
- symptomatic relief of the pain
- treatment of underlying cause

With regards to symptomatic relief, hydrocodone use for such long time (11 years) is often associated with dependency issues.

Gabapentin extended-release tablets can be used to treat the pain. You can ask your doctor to start taking this medication. My patients who are taking it have reported good results. You can try it too. But, remember to identify why the nerves are damaged and cure the underlying cause.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

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Suggest Medicine For Nerve Damage And Back Pain

Brief Answer: Advised to take Gabapentin... Detailed Answer: Hi, I am sorry for the situation you are in. The very first thing is to determine the cause of damage to the nerves in your feet/legs: - peripheral neuropathy: diabetes, kidney problems? - central nervous system problems In either cases, further investigations are needed to rule out the above-mentioned problems: - diabetes testing - kidney function tests - Doppler echo of blood vessels in your legs - measure blood vit.B and electrolytes to exclude deficiencies - neurological examinations peripheral nerves - measure uric acid level Once the right cause is determined, specific treatment will be prescribed that will reduce your pain. The treatment of pain when nerve is damaged include: - symptomatic relief of the pain - treatment of underlying cause With regards to symptomatic relief, hydrocodone use for such long time (11 years) is often associated with dependency issues. Gabapentin extended-release tablets can be used to treat the pain. You can ask your doctor to start taking this medication. My patients who are taking it have reported good results. You can try it too. But, remember to identify why the nerves are damaged and cure the underlying cause. Wish fast recovery! Dr.Albana