Huh? Lidocaine patch helps

[ans]

Put one on last night and to my amazement, I don't feel the usual incapacitating morning pains that I attributed to be deep around the annulus or DDD stenotic region.

So, does this work by anesthesizing muscular spasms around this area? I don't know anything about the physiology of pain and it baffles me why this works (75%). Any ideas appreciated.

Re: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1526...et=1&journalCode=pme

Thanks, Allan

[Poncho]

Hi ans,

I am not exactly sure about this drug's mechanism of action transdermally. However, I was on this patch and it did help with the nerve pain down the leg.

Just make sure that you remove it when you are suppose to and wash the area good. I believe it is put on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours. When I was flying to Europe for my ADR, I left the patch on for over 24 hours and I think I was a bit "lidocaine toxic" with a severe headache, nausea and vomiting. This happened one other time too when I forgot to take it off. Trust me, not a fun experience. It this patch works for you - go for it!!!

TTYL,
Poncho

[ans]

Hi Poncho,

Thanks for the advice; I never thought of washing the area immediately afterwards. I read some of its adverse side-effects and they are creepy.

Be well, Allan

[Judy]

Allan is this used for nerve pain? Is this available by prescription only. I am just wondering if it would help with my nerve pain. I am willing try anything and will be going back to the pm doctor in a month. I am trying cymbalta currently and it is not working very well. How does this work?

[Mariaa]

Judy,
Have you tried Neurontin, Topamax or Lyrica for nerve pain (the latter being the only one marketed for neuropathic pain tho all utilized for this type of pain)...

Just wondering, not meaning to hyjack (hijack?) the topic from Allan..

BTW, is your back pain pretty much relieved and you just have nerve related pain in your leg/foot and at what point did you develop this if I might ask..

[Judy]

Mariaa, back pain is completely gone. Dr. Yue thinks that a nerve got pinched where the fusion was done and that this is permanent. I am working with the pain management doctor experimenting on different medications until we find one that works. I currently take 3,600 mg. neurontin, 150 mg tramdol and now he started me on cymbalta which does not seem to be doing much.
I am about 85% better than prior to surgery and very happy with the results if only we can resolve the nerve issue. It is contained to the left side.

Judy

[ans]

Judy,

Yes, it's good for nerve pain and is indicated for shingles. However, I imagine it'd be tough to put on the soles of one feet. I put it on my sacral and lumbar regions but it sounds that this area is greatly improved. Good luck! ~ Allan

PS Please note that this "~" was stolen from Mariaa.

[Mariaa]

Allan,
Wow, wished I had known how effective a treatment this patch could be 10-12 years ago.. bet I could have stayed at work if anybody had thought to actually try and use something that would work on me besides Elavil ..

Perhaps I need that patch when I'm not in ESI heaven.. anyway, glad you've found relief and hope that Judy will find the same relief soon!

Judy, so glad to hear that you're reporting an 85% improvement, I hope you find significant relief from the remaining nerve pain with treatment ASAP~ ~ ~ ~ (ans likes ~~~~ that)!!!!

[ans]

~ Maria:

You were really injured, esp. after your failed disectomy. Maybe it would only have masked the problem?

The patch is good but not great. For instance, I still needed my Vicodin, tramadol, tylenol, and Baclofen last night. I don't know about you my main complaint is waking up early in the am, waiting an hr. for the pain meds to work, then crashing. Ostensibly, I'm wiped for the day. But I think you should try it; after all, it's pretty much non-systemic.

Be well, ans

[sahuaro]

Would the lidocaine patches be effective for cervical issues? I don't remember any cervies mentioning using the patch. Also, since trigger point injections use lidocaine, would the patches be effective for trigger points?