Watch Out For Neuropathic Antibiotic Side Effects!

Today's post from collective-evolution.com (see link below) is another powerful argument against taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics (Cipro,Levaquin,Avalox etc), especially if you have or are prone to neuropathic problems. It's astonishing that many doctors are still unaware of the dangers and side effects of these drugs and prescribe them routinely without looking to see whether the patient is at risk. The best advice is to look at the pharmaceutical (not the brand name) name of any antibiotics you are given and check the side effects on the internet (Drugs.com has a reliable and trustworthy reputation in this regard). After that, if you are still worried, discuss it with your doctor with any evidence you might have gathered and ask for an alternative (there are plenty to choose from). Don't just stop taking them or ignore it - rely on your doctor making the right choice in the end.
 

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics: Are You At Risk?
August 26, 2013 by Lisa Bloomquist. 

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, etc. are broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat a variety of infections, from urinary tract infections to anthrax and everything in between. The first quinolone created was Nalidixic Acid which was discovered by George Lesher in 1962. (Nalidixic Acid was added to the OEHHA prop 65 list of carcinogens in 1998.) Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is a second generation fluoroquinolone patented in 1983 by Bayer, Levaquin (levofloxacin) is a third generation fluroquinolone patented in 1987 by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen (a division of Johnson & Johnson), and Avelox (moxifloxacin) is a fourth generation fluoroquinolone patented in 1991 by Bayer.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics – Still on the Market

Of the 30 quinolones that have made it to market since the 1980s, all but 6 have either been removed from the US market or have severely restricted use.

The fluoroquinolone antibiotics that are still on the market are some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Per the FDA, “Approximately 23.1 million unique patients received a dispensed prescription for an oral fluoroquinolone product from outpatient retail pharmacies during 2011,” and “Within the hospital setting, there were approximately 3.8 million unique patients billed for an injectable fluoroquinolone product during 2011.”

When used properly, such as in cases of life-threatening hospital acquired pneumonia, fluroquinolone antibiotics can save lives. 

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Side-Effects and Adverse Reactions

When used improperly, fluoroquinolone antibiotics can needlessly cause devastating side-effects. Devastating side-effects can also occur when fluoroquinolone antibiotics are used properly, but the devastation can be justified by weighing it against the alternative – death. In 2001, Dr. Jay S. Cohen published an article on the severe and often disabling reactions some people sustained as a result of taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Dr. Cohen says,

It is difficult to describe the severity of these reactions. They are devastating. Many of the people in my study were healthy before their reactions. Some were high intensity athletes. Suddenly they were disabled, in terrible pain, unable to work, walk, or sleep

Dr. Cohen’s study of 45 subjects suffering from Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Syndrome, a name that I’m pushing for, (without an official name, it is difficult get the word out) showed that they had the following symptoms:

Peripheral Nervous System: Tingling, numbness, prickling, burning pain, pins/needles sensation, electrical or shooting pain, skin crawling, sensation, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, allodynia (sensitivity to touch) numbness, weakness, twitching, tremors, spasms.

Central Nervous System: Dizziness, malaise, weakness, impaired coordination, nightmares, insomnia, headaches, agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, disorientation, impaired concentration or memory, confusion, depersonalization, hallucinations, psychoses.

Musculoskeletal: Muscle pain, weakness, soreness, joint swelling, pain, tendon pain, ruptures.

Special Senses: Diminished or altered visual, olfactory, auditory functioning, tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, shortness of breath, hypertension, palpitations, chest pain.

Skin: Rash, swelling, hair loss, sweating, intolerance to heat and\or cold.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

When a fluoroquinolone antibiotic triggers a toxic reaction in a person, multiple symptoms are often experienced.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Damage – Technical Aspects

Fluoroquinolones are eukaryotic DNA gyrase and topoisomerase inhibitors very similar to many antineoplastic agents (source). What this means in plain English is that these drugs work the same way as chemotherapeutic drugs; they disrupt DNA and lead to destruction of cells. A recent (2013) study conducted by a team of scientists at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University Studies showed that Ciprofloxacin, along with a couple of other non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics, causes oxidative stress and mitochondrial malfunction. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Young Pharmacists found that, “There is significant and gradual elevation of lipid peroxide levels in patients on ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.” They also found that “There was substantial depletion in both SOD (superoxide dismutase, “a free radical scavenging enzyme”) and glutathione levels” and that “On the 5th day of treatment, plasma antioxidant status decreased by 77.6%, 50.5% (and) 7.56% for ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and gatifloxacin respectively.” The study also notes that administration of fluoroquinolones leads to a marked increase in the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and that “reactive free radicals overwhelms the antioxidant defence, lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane occurs. This causes disturbances in cell integrity leading to cell damage/death.” 

How Many People are at Risk?

The exact rate of adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones is difficult to determine. Studies of adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones have noted that, “During clinical trials, the overall frequencies of adverse effects associated with (fluoroquinolones) to vary between 4.4 and 20%.” Just the fact that the spread is so large, a 15.6% spread in frequency of adverse reactions is a HUGE difference, it implies that the actual occurrence of adverse reactions is difficult to establish or unknown.

With the FDA figures above noting that 26.9 million unique patients were given fluoroquinolones in 2011, if you just take the conservative adverse reaction figure of 4.4%, you’ll get a horrifying number of people with adverse reactions in 2011 alone – 1,183,600 people. 20% of 26.9 million is 5,380,000 people adversely effected. That is scary. Those numbers are truly frightening given the severity of the adverse effects described above.
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Syndrome

I see fluoroquinolone toxicity everywhere, and even I think that those numbers are high for severe, disabling reactions like mine where multiple symptoms develop simultaneously. Not everyone who has an adverse reaction to a fluoroquinolone has a reaction like mine, or even develops Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Syndrome. Many people have milder reactions. Milder symptoms include any one of the symptoms listed above as well as diarrhea, vomiting, mild tendinitis, decreased energy, painless muscle twitches, memory loss, urgency of urination, or any number of reactions that the body may have to a massive depletion of antioxidants and increases in lipid peroxide levels and reactive oxygen species production.

Even though severe adverse reactions to fluoroquinolones antibiotics can be painful and disabling for years, many (possibly most, but certainly not all) people recover from Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Syndrome with time. I anticipate that I will be fully recovered 2 years after my reaction started. Sadly, there are some people who don’t recover. They suffer from chronic pain, disability, impaired cognitive abilities, etc. permanently.

It is absurd, to say the least, that an acute problem, an infection, that can easily be taken care of with administration of an antibiotic that is not a fluoroquinolone, is converted into a chronic problem, a syndrome that can disable a person for years, by a prescription ANTIBIOTIC, used as prescribed. In my case, a urinary tract infection that could have likely been taken care of with macrobid or even cranberry juice and d-mannos, was treated with Cipro which left me unable to do many physical and mental tasks that I had previously been able to do with ease. It’s a crazy, absurd situation. It’s absurd and it’s wrong.

Some Antibiotics are More Dangerous than Others

The bottom line is that these popularly prescribed antibiotics are dangerous drugs that have caused thousands of people to suffer with a myriad of maladies. Undeniably, they have their place, in treating life-threatening infections. Unfortunately, they are not being reserved for use in life-threatening situations and people are being hurt after taking them for simple sinus, urinary tract, bronchial and prostate infections. A strict and rigorous protocol needs to be established to limit the damage that they cause; because it’s not right to maim and disable people to treat their sinus infections.

Sources are highlighted throughout the article.

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/08/26/fluoroquinolone-antibiotics-are-you-at-risk/

Topical Creams Any Good For Nerve Pain

Today's post from piedmontpmr.com (see link below) asks the question as to whether topical creams (creams applied to the skin at the area of most pain) are any good for neuropathy. It's an attractive prospect. We're so used to popping pills meant for other diseases and trying to live with the side effects, that the idea of a topical cream is tempting. However, as the article points out, it's often a question of 'suck it and see!' One of the proven analgesic creams for neuropathy is capsaicin (either as a cream or a patch) but you really have to watch out for burning side effects and depending on the strength of the cream, you may need expert help with its application. However, it's not the only one and some people even gain benefit by using sports creams meant for joint or muscle relief. Discuss it with your doctor first and then maybe try some out. You never know, you may find something that's just as effective as the strong pain killers you're normally prescribed.

Are Topical Creams Effective For Neuropathy?
Robert D. Schwartz MD 2016

You feel a tingling or slight burning sensation in your hands or feet and you know it’s a symptom of your neuropathy. These areas, especially your feet, tend to be targeted first because the nerves leading down to those extremities are the longest and the easiest to damage. But at the moment, you know its not a sign for major concern, you just want relief from the discomfort or pain as soon as possible.

Supplements are one way to treat these symptoms, but you don’t really know when they’ll start working and if there will be side effects. By taking any oral medication, you are prone to drowsiness, dizziness or simply lethargy. So what could you do to relieve the pain without all the other baggage? Well, there’s topical creams. They can be applied right onto the pained area usually without fuss and are usually better accepted by patients because they are painless.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the products sitting on drug store counters for pain relief. They all claim to have the same end goal, but you’re not sure which one is right for you. Some are for muscle pain, joint back or back pain, but there are also plenty of non-prescription creams that you could use for neuropathy pain. What you should be looking out for are the two predominant components in topical over-the-counter creams/ointments: capsaicin and herbs. Several creams use a combination of these ingredients amongst others for effective pain relief.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a substance found in hot peppers, but interestingly, it also works as pain reliever for those with peripheral neuropathy symptoms. The slight burning sensation that is felt when capsaicin creams is applied counteracts the pain signals within your body, thus ceasing pain altogether temporarily. But capsaicin products aren’t for everyone. Some people can’t handle the initial pain sensation when it if first applied, despite proving to be an effective source for painful neuropathy.

Capsaicin products should not be applied on or near damaged, broken or irritated skin. It also needs to be applied several times a day and might take weeks for it to truly take effect.
Herbs

Another common non-prescription alternative is topical herbal products. Herbal products contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relief) properties. They essentially trick the brain into thinking your skin has changed temperature with a cooling sensation, relieving inflammation. They also widen blood vessels in the area so that blood flow is increased, allowing nutrients to be delivered more efficiently for quicker healing.

One of the most common herbal ingredients that uses these pain relief tactics is menthol. Menthol comes from peppermint plants — specifically extracted from wild mint or corn mint, and is used in a majority of pain relief ointments.

Herbs with these properties have been in use since ancient times. From North America to South East Asia, those around the world have turned to herbal medicine for effective pain relief. Other herbs that contain such properties include, balm of gilead, Calendula flowers and oil of clove. It’s hard to deny herbal effectiveness when it has stood against the test of time.

So now that you know a few ingredients in over-the-counter topical creams, what are some products that you can look out for?

Biofreeze
Capsin
Double Cap
Icy Hot Arthritis Therapy
Minagin
Rid-a-Pain
Sportsmed
Tiger balm
Trixaicin

You won’t really know which one works best for you until you try it. You can go online and do your research, but everyone’s condition is different, and everyone’s body will react differently to different medication.

If you find that over-the-counter products aren’t quite working for you, then maybe it’s time to turn to a prescription cream or ointment. Most likely, your doctor will prescribe a topical agent with either clonidine or lidocaine. Clonidine is used to treat high blood pressure, but those with nerve pain will also find relief in that department. And lidocaine has mainly been used for mouth numbing in a dentist’s chair, but has shown to be effective against neuropathy pain as well.

So if you’re thinking about getting quick relief from topical creams, then it is definitely recommended. Creams can give your fast temporary relief if your pain is mild to moderate. If you’re dealing with a burden that’s a bit bigger, we advise you to talk to your doctor right away for the best route for relief. You might be given a prescription cream, taken daily for a period of time, or recommended toward other avenues altogether. Whatever your symptoms may be, ensure that your are taking care of your body and your health.

http://piedmontpmr.com/topical-creams-effective-neuropathy/

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR LOSS OF APPETITE

A decreased appetite is when your desire to eat is reduced. The medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia.Any illness can reduce appetite. If the illness is treatable, the appetite should return when the condition is cured.

Causes - A decreased appetite is almost always seen among elderly adults, and no physical cause may be found. But emotions such as sadness, depression, or grief can lead to a loss of appetite.

Cancer can also cause decreased appetite. You may lose weight without trying. Cancers that may cause you to lose your appetite include-:Colon cancer, Ovarian cancer, Stomach cancer, Pancreatic cancer

Other causes of decreased appetite include:--Chronic liver disease, Chronic kidney failure, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Dementia, Heart failure, Hepatitis, HIV, Hypothyroidism, Pregnancy (first trimester), Use of certain medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, codeine, and morphine, Use of street drugs, including amphetamines (speed), cocaine, and heroin

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES

ALFALFA Q and GENTIANA LUTEA Q --  A mixture of both in equal quantities and a ten drops dose is a good appetizer

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM 30- Loss of appetite. Desire for pickles and acidic things. Eructation taste of ingesta. Tongue thickly coated white

AURUM ARS 30—It causes rapid increase of appetite specially in anemia and chlorosis

GENTIANA LUTEA Q- Simple loss of appetite .Acts  as a tonic and  increases appetite. Loss of appetite after illness. Give 5 drops after each meal

LECITHINUM 3X—Loss of appetite with craving for wine and coffee

NUX VOMICA 200—Bitter taste. Tongue coated yellow at the back with loss of appetite.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS 200- Complete loss of appetite. Dislike for fresh meat, potatoes, and onions. Rancid eructation’s after fat food

  

TOP HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR RENAL COLIC

Renal colic is a type of abdomonal pain  commonly caused by kidney stones.

Renal colic typically begins in the abdomen and often radiates to the hypochondrium (the part of the anterior abdominal wall below the costal margins ) or the groin. It is typically colicky (comes in waves) due to ureteric peristalsis  but may be constant. It is often described as one of the strongest pain sensations known

Although this condition can be very painful, kidney stones usually cause no permanent physical damage. The experience is said to be traumatizing due to pain, and the experience of passing blood, blood clots, and pieces of the stone. Depending on the sufferer's situation, nothing more than imbibing significant amounts of water may be called for; in other instances, surgery may be needed. Preventive treatment can be instituted to minimize the likelihood of recurrence

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

1.    Berberis vulgaris Q—Head remedy for renal colic. Violent sticking pain from the left side and extends and extends from kidney to bladder and urethra. Pain with constant urging to urinate

2.    Lycopodium 3- Pian due to stones in the right kidney . Red sand in abdomen. It expels stones

3.    Nitric acid 30 -For calcium oxalate calculi. Urine feels cold when it passes. Urine smells strong as horse’s urine or offensive

4.    Occimum can Q- A specific remedy. Unbearable agonizing and twisting pain makes the patient scream and groan. Nausea and vomiting with pain

5.    Sarsaparilla 10M- Pain from right kidney downward . Severe pain at the conclusion of urination.

6.    Tabacum 30- Renal colic.left side.Violent pain along ureter. Pain with deadly nausea and cold sweat

7.    Hydrangea Q-- Stone breaking remedy. White amorphous salt deposite in urine . Dribbling of bloody urine

Archive Treatment for sciatica exercises

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HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR SKIN CANCER BASAL CELL CARCINOMA SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA MELANOMA

Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.

There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.

Causes --Skin cancer occurs when errors (mutations) occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells.

Cells involved in skin cancer

Skin cancer begins in your skin's top layer — the epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer that provides a protective cover of skin cells that your body continually sheds. The epidermis contains three main types of cells:

Squamous cells lie just below the outer surface and function as the skin's inner lining.

Basal cells, which produce new skin cells, sit beneath the squamous cells.

Melanocytes — which produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its normal color — are located in the lower part of your epidermis. Melanocytes produce more melanin when you're in the sun to help protect the deeper layers of your skin.

Where your skin cancer begins determines its type and your treatment options

Ultraviolet light and other potential causes

Much of the damage to DNA in skin cells results from ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight and in the lights used in tanning beds. But sun exposure doesn't explain skin cancers that develop on skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. This indicates that other factors may contribute to your risk of skin cancer, such as being exposed to toxic substances or having a condition that weakens your immune system

Symptoms--Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your neck or face.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as:--A pearly or waxy bump, A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion

Squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms

Most often, squamous cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face, ears and hands. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas that aren't often exposed to the sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:--A firm, red nodule, A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface

Melanoma signs and symptoms

Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. In both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that hasn't been exposed to the sun.

Melanoma signs include:-A large brownish spot with darker speckles, A mole that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds, A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or blue-black, Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina or anus

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

ARSENIC ALB  3-200- Cancer arising from overgrowth of fibrous tissues or a cancer originating from the epidermis of the skin- may be hard or soft . Start the treatment with 3c potency  and give it four times a day and go on selecting the potency  which effects the most. If this remedy cannot cure it will at least reduce the pain and maintain or restore the general health

ARSENICUM IODIDE 3—Epithelioma. Exfoliation of skin in large scales , leaving a raw exuding  surface beneath

ARGENTUM NITRICUM 30- Melanoma of the skin. Brown, tense and hard skin. Withered and dried up skin. Drawing in skin as from a spider web

CANNABIS SATIVA Q- Fatty acids present  in hemp protect the skin against sun. 15 drops in half a cup of water is used for protection of the skin against the skin cancer due to the sun rays

CONIUM MACULATUM 200- Epithelioma. Piercing pain, worse at night

EUPHORBIUM 3—Ulcerating carcinoma and epithelioma of the skin

HYDRSTIS CANADENSIS 30- Cancerous formation of the skin. Skin is ulcerated with small pox like eruptions

KALI ARSENIC 30- Skin cancer with no other visible symptoms except many small nodules under the skin

LOBELIA ERNUS 30- Epithelioma , that is malignant tumor consisting principally of epithelial cells originating from the epidermis of the skin or in a mucous membrane and developing rapidly . Dryness of the skin, nose and mucous membrane of the cheeks

LYCOPODIUM  CLAVATUM 200- Skin hard and indurated . Epithelioma. Visicid and offensive perspiration .

RADIUM BROMIDE 30- Cancer of the skin with itching , burning and restlessness. Epithelioma

DRINKING DECAF OR REGULAR COFFEE MAY BE GOOD FOR THE LIVER

Researchers from the National Cancer Institute report that decaffeinated coffee drinking may benefit liver health. Results of the study published in Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, show that higher coffee consumption, regardless of caffeine content, was linked to lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes. This suggests that chemical compounds in coffee other than caffeine may help protect the liver

Coffee consumption is highly prevalent with more than half of all Americans over 18 drinking on average three cups each day according to a 2010 report from the National Coffee Association. Moreover, the International Coffee Association reports that coffee consumption has increased one percent each year since the 1980s, increasing to two percent in recent years. Previous studies found that coffee consumption may help lower the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

"Prior research found that drinking coffee may have a possible protective effect on the liver. However, the evidence is not clear if that benefit may extend to decaffeinated coffee," explains lead researcher Dr. Qian Xiao from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

For the present study researchers used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2010). The study population included 27,793 participants, 20 years of age or older, who provided coffee intake in a 24-hour period. The team measured blood levels of several markers of liver function, including aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transaminase (GGT) to determine liver health.

Participants who reported drinking three or more cups of coffee per day had lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP and GGT compared to those not consuming any coffee. Researchers also found low levels of these liver enzymes in participants drinking only decaffeinated coffee.

Dr. Xiao concludes, "Our findings link total and decaffeinated coffee intake to lower liver enzyme levels. These data suggest that ingredients in coffee, other than caffeine, may promote liver health. Further studies are needed to identify these components."

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How Do Anti Convulsants Work For Neuropathy

Today's post from painhq.org (see link below) looks at a common treatment for neuropathic pain and that is anti-convulsants or anti-epilepsy drugs. Many people living with neuropathy are prescribed these drugs after anti-depressants have failed and they are generally a pre-cursor to opiates (if they don't work for you). It is wise to consult carefully with your doctor (especially with Lyrica)depending on which anti-convulsant is prescribed and what the cause of your neuropathy is, as the side effects can be significant and for certain groups these drugs haven't been proven to work at all. It is a useful article in that it explains what they are and how they work and very often patients are not given this information by their doctors because it's assumed the patient will have difficulty understanding the science behind the drug's working process.

Anticonvulsants 
No author or date available
 
What are Anticonvulsants?

Anticonvulsants are a group of drugs that were designed to help manage seizures, but have since been used in the treatment and management of neuropathic pain. It is a fairly large and diverse family of drugs, sometimes referred to as ‘anti-seizure medications’ or ‘antiepileptics’. These drugs are thought to work through a number of different mechanisms: some may block different neurotransmitters; others may affect nerve signalling and ‘firing’ through binding to different receptors; altering ion channels in the brain; or ‘stabilizing’ some of the nerve cell membranes to ‘quiet’ pain signalling. On balance, it is thought that through these various mechanisms anticonvulsants affect pain communication pathways for patients with neuropathic pain.

How do they work?

Anticonvulsants were first used in pain management because it was thought that the nature of pain was somewhat similar to that of epileptic seizures – too much nerve cell firing. A number of these drugs have been shown to block the signals from damaged neurons which would normally communicate pain within the body.

What kinds are there? 
 
Gabapentin (Neurontin): Gabapentin works by binding to the calcium channels in neurons. These calcium channels help communicate pain within the body and, when blocked, help to dull the signal. Gabapentin is one of the only drugs used to treat neuropathic pain that is solely metabolized through the kidney (most are metabolized through the liver). It is considered one of the ‘first line’ medication treatments for most neuropathic pain syndromes. It is often used for treating post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. 

Pregabalin (Lyrica): Developed as a more potent follow-up to Gabapentin, Pregabalin has been prescribed for postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and central neuropathic pain. Pregabalin is also associated with a lower risk for dependency and potential abuse. 
 
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) / Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal): Carbamazepine works by binding to sodium channels in neurons and limiting pain signals. Used It is frequently used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, but also diabetic neuropathy and potentially other forms of neuropathic pain (though more research is necessary). 

Valproate (Sodium valproate, valproic acid): Valproate helps block calcium channels and increases the levels of GABA in the brain. The calcium channels help to communicate pain while GABA helps to black dull pain signals in the brain by blocking communication channels and affecting nerve transmission. More evidence is needed to determine the use of Valproate in the treatment of neuropathic pain. 

Lamotrigine (Lamictal): Lamotrigine helps to block sodium channels and helps to regulate signals between neurons. Used it is sometimes used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy and central neuropathic pain. There are increased risks of side effects in woman using Lamotrigine, which also poses certain risks for pregnancies. 

Topiramate (Topamax): Topiramate has a number of mechanisms of action including sodium channels, calcium channels, GABA receptors, AMPA receptors and carbonic anhydrases. More evidence is needed to determine the use of Topiramate in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Levetiracetam (Keppra): Levetiracetam works by binding to calcium channels in neurons, though it’s mechanisms aren’t fully understood. It can be used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. 

Lacosamide (Vimpat): Lacosamide works by binding to sodium channels in neurons, which prevents them from firing. Lacosamide also targets the cell which have been active for a longer period of time; in other words, damaged, over-active nerve cells that are sending pain signals (versus healthy cells). Lacosamide is used in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

What kind of Anticonvulsant is most effective for you?

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Carbamazepine (0)

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Related evidence

Hearn L, Derry S, Moore RA. Lacosamide for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 15;2:CD009318. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009318.pub2.
Moore RA, Straube S, Wiffen PJ, Derry S, McQuay HJ. Pregabalin for acute and chronic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD007076. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007076.pub2
Moore R, Wiffen PJ, Derry S, Toelle T, Rice AS C. Gabapentin for chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD007938. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007938.pub3
Price MJ. Levetiracetam in the treatment of neuropathic pain: three case studies. Clin J Pain. 2004 Jan-Feb;20(1):33-6.
Wiffen PJ, Derry S, Moore RA, Aldington D, Cole P, Rice AS, Lunn MP, Hamunen K, Haanpaa M, Kalso EA. Antiepileptic drugs for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia - an overview of Cochrane reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Nov 11;11:CD010567. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010567.pub2.
Wiffen PJ, Derry S, Lunn MPT, Moore R. Topiramate for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD008314. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008314.pub3
http://www.painhq.org/learning/knowledge-base/category/treatments/traditional-medicine-and-surgery/anticonvulsants

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR NERVE AFFECTIONS

A nerve is an enclosed, cable-like bundle of axons (nerve fibers, the long and slender projections of neurons) in the peripheral nervous system. A nerve provides a common pathway for the electrochemical nerve impulses that are transmitted along each of the axons to peripheral organs.

In the central nervous system, the analogous structures are known as tracts. Neurons are sometimes called nerve cells, though this term is potentially misleading since many neurons do not form nerves, and nerves also include non-neuronal Schwann cells that coat the axons in myelin.

Each nerve is a cordlike structure that contains many axons. Within a nerve, each axon is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue called the endoneurium. The axons are bundled together into groups called fascicles, and each fascicle is wrapped in a layer of connective tissue called the perineurium. Finally, the entire nerve is wrapped in a layer of connective tissue called the epineurium

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES .

ACONITUM NAPELLUS 30- Suuden inflammation of the nerves due to anxiety or fear worse with noise and light

APIS MEL 30- Optic neuritis in the first stage

ARGENTUM NITRICUM 30- Inflammation of the nerves. Loss of control and want of balance anywhere- mental and physical

BELLIS PRENNIS 30- Results of injuries to nerves with intense soreness and intolerance to cold bathing

CARBONEUM SULPH 30- For atrophy of optic nerve and  optic disc

CHENOPODIUM AN. 30- Affections of auditory nerve . Hearing better for high pitched sounds. Comparative deafness to  the sound of voice. Burning in ears. Numbness of the auditory nerve

CIMCIFUGA RACEMOSA 30- Inflammation of nerves due to reflex disorders

CINNABARIS 3X –Pain in the ciliary nerve causing redness of the eyes, canthi and lids. Pain around the eyes to templates and orbit of the eyes

CYPRIPEDIUM 30- Nerves shortened by long illness or excessive tea or coffee drnking

GLONOINUM 30- Inflammation of nerves due to heat of sun. Better by motion and uncovering the head. Pulsations all over the body

HYPERICUM PERF. 3X- Crushing injuries to the nerve sheaths of the spine and other nerves causing tearing , burning and stinging pains. Slight paralysis caused by enlargement of nerves in the sacrum. Numbness of parts affected and constant drowsiness

KALI PHOS 6X – An excellent nerve tonic

LYCOPERSICUM ESCU. 30- Tingling along the right ulnar nerve

MAGNESIUM PHOS 12X- It is a remedy of nerve tension as exhibited in pulse. In severe nerve tension , the wrists also become tense. If it is in both wrists , it shows that the whole nervous system is involved. Three tablets given with hot water 2 hourly will remove the tension. Pain is on the right side, better by heat and pressure

NAPHTHALINUM 30- Paralysis of the optic nerve causing blindness and opacity of the cornea

PHOSPHORUS 200-Atrophy of the optic nerve with cataract and due to paralysis

RHUS TOX 30, HYPERICUM 30, KALMIA LAT. 30- Pain along the ulnar nerve , according to symptoms of the remedy

SAPONARIA OFF. 30- Affections of the 5^th nerve. Pain or loss of sensation in the face, forehead, temple and eyes. Deviation of jaw