Duloxetine for neuropathy? Maybe,,,,,(update from Mayo)

jen2012 said:

Interesting...thanks. my
Interesting...thanks. my husband hasnt had oxi in several weeks now and the neuropathy continues to get worse.

Are you guys using Magnesium Sulfate at all?  It is given by IV along with the regular infusion cycle. 

I don't recall you mentioning this...

If he has not tried it, you could suggest it to his onc...if it works, he would know pretty quickly...would feel a difference after the first infusion of it. 

It lessens neuropathy in the hands and fingers...but its biggest benefit comes from taking away the cold sensitivity and sharp pains in the throat when cool or cold liquids are introduced. 

I was suffering with neuropathy early on...around #4...and I had mentioned it to the onc...next infusion I saw a new bag hanging from the tree and I got up and looked at and asked the nurse...she said they call it "The Mags."

Ask for it if you have not tried it:)

-c

Steve: As usual, thanks for the links and info you provide:)

jen2012 said:

Thanks Craig - he did try

Thanks Craig - he did try that for 3 or 4 treatments and didn't think it was helping.   He also is taking Vit B...but maybe not enough.   I have to button his collar buttons and help with his tie every morning.  He can button the other buttons that he can see, but not those little ones.   He said his feet and legs are numb - up to his knees.  Was thinking of buying him some diabetic socks to see if they help.   She stopped the oxi after treatment 12 (or 13?) - I think that was about 4 or 5 weeks ago and no more issues with cold drinks!

It does not work for everyone...but if it does, it can make a difference in your mood.

I wasn't aware he had done the full boat with 12+...

Most docs will tell you to give it a year right off the top when treatment ends...after that nerve re-generation will be largely what it is at that point.

I only did 8-oxy's before I caved...

I'm 5-years out of my last oxy treatment...tingling in hands and fingertips and one of my feet is number than the other.  Overall, I'm fortunate as I know others have the neuropathy much worse than I do.

Cold drinks we take for granted sometimes, don't we?

Diabetic socks sounds like it would be worth a try there...I'm glad he is out of that treatment. 

-c

Duloxetine (which my word check keeps wanting to change to 'dull eating') is the generic name for cymbalta. It is effective in neuropathic painfrom other causes and is classed as an Snriantidepressant the othe one being venlafaxine (trade name Effexor) which is also probably effective for this. They are now taking the place of amitryptilline in pain clinics for neuropathic pain so I wouldn't really hesitate in giving it a go is post-chemo neuropathy is painful. Side effects are fairly uncommon and may sort out any depression and anxiety you may have at the same time!

Steve

coloCan said:

stuff like neurontin,such as ativan or xanax,do affect the

liver,or have potential to. i think most anti-anxiety meds do

I have permanant neuropathy post treatment (2009) from Oxi.  I have recently begun taking a drug called Topomax and it is helpig with the neurapathy pain. I did not exhibit the symptoms until after the treatment was completed and then suffered for about 3 years until we found the right medication.