5 replies to this topic

[mjrcpd]

Just got a script from my doc for Tegretol for neuropathis pain. I take Lyraca 200mg 3 times a day and Klonopin at bedtime. Still experiencing pain. Today, my local doc had me start Tegretol in combo with the other drugs for a boost. Anyone have experience with this particular drug. I'm open to anything that will relieve the constant sharp pains! Thanks again.

[handi2]

I have been taking Tegretol with Effexor for a few years now. It has helped better than all the others I have tried and are listed on this forum. I hope it will help you even though my pain never goes away. I can sit about 6 hours until the pain overcomes me.

[mjrcpd]

Thanks for the reply. I knew sooner or later I'd get a hit somewhere. I sent you a PM.

[kewlcatkez]

mjrcpd, on Feb 5 2008, 12:54 AM, said:

Just got a script from my doc for Tegretol for neuropathis pain. I take Lyraca 200mg 3 times a day and Klonopin at bedtime. Still experiencing pain. Today, my local doc had me start Tegretol in combo with the other drugs for a boost. Anyone have experience with this particular drug. I'm open to anything that will relieve the constant sharp pains! Thanks again.

Hi mjrcpd,

Sorry that I didn't see this thread sooner. I have had experience with Tegretol® ( Carbamazepine), both as an RN and I have also tried it for my "neuropathic pain". Tegretol® actually belongs to the group of drugs called "anticonvulsants".

As is sometimes the way, some drugs which are Primarily licensed for one use, can have a side effect of treating another. This is the case with anti convulsant meds ( ie Neurontin®, Lyrica®, Gabapentin® etc) which are utilized for their secondary use. In a nutshell, often by accident drugs licenced for one condition have been found to have a side effect which is positively affecting another.

Other groups which can be used to assist in the treatment of Neurological and bone pains are Antidepressants. Some scientists and Pain drs also have seen some positive feedback of alpha-2-adrenergic agonists. These include tizanidine (Zanaflex®) and clonidine (Catapres®). Dextromethorphan, which is basically a cough suppressant when used- under a drs advice, in much higher quantities is also useful for some types of Neuro pain.

Some of the "neuro" affecting drugs are limited to helping with certain pain situations. For example, Baclofen apparently is more effective ( as a pain reliever) in trigeminal neuralgia.

As to whether Tegretol® or any of the anticonvulsants will work or not, depends upon not only the type of pain ( neuropathic or not) that you have, but also the 'mechanisms' if you like, as to why it is occurring. I have looked into pain in a detailed way as I took a course in it in order to assist my patients, Just to note, in a compact way -

Whether Peripheral or Central Neuro pain is the culprit, usually depends on the cause.. Neuropathic pain is usually due to for eg diabetes, HIV, and vitamin deficiencies. Central mediated pain is due to for eg post-stroke central pain syndrome, spinal cord injury or disease and MS etc..

The type and causes of Neuro pain (ie is it due to the gate theory, or kiniesophobia, or flooding receptors?) will determine to some extent, which drug is effective and to what extent..

I have tried Tegretol®, Gabapentin®, and Topamax® and am about to take Lyrica® (along with my opiates ) and may even try Zacin ( made out of the stuff Chillis are made out of and is meant to kill like crazy, but block pain receptors) we are just not sure if it will be that useful for Neuropathic pain, I tried extra hot Tiger balm and didn't help.... Unfortunately, like many others I have constant debilitating and gut wrenching, and all the verbs you can use pain. I actually have nerve, dislocations pain ( multiple, each day) and tendon and underlying other pains./..Its a wonder I can tell the different types, or that the drs can....

I hope that Tegretol® works for you. If you want more detailed information about how I found it, then please ask!


Hope this helps,

Take care,

K

[mjrcpd]

Sent PM

[kewlcatkez]

mjrcpd, on Feb 24 2008, 04:59 PM, said:

Sent PM

Thanks,

I just saw it. Don't know how I missed it, it has happened a few times lately (perhaps when I get two pms at the same time?? maybe it marks both as read when I read one??)

Anyway, I will get back to you very soon,



K