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What Causes Insomnia, Back Pain And Fatigue While Treating Shingles?

Posted on Tue, 2 Aug 2016

Question: I have shingles. although I have had the shot, it is quite bad. It has been 23 days and I am still unable to sleep at night. I have been put on Lyrica (5days) and perkaset which I only take one time at bed time. I also have a very large swelling on the right side where the shingles are. from naval across side to backbone and about 6 inches wide. I is causing back pain and problems with my equilibrium. I am very tired and weak.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Antivirals like famciclovir are effective only if they are given within 72 hours of onset of herpes zoster lesions/symptoms. Antivirals at a later stage wont be of much help much. Post herpetic neuralgia can be minimized by pregabalin or gabapentin and amytriptiline along with the above treatment which you have been prescribed.

Lyrica contains pregabalin. A good alternative is gabapentin which causes lesser degree of sedation and equilibrium side effects. The rest of the treatment is adequate and should continue.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar