Thursday, February 16, 2012

Monday, June 15, 2009 David asks

Q: I have severe peripheral neuropathy and have been prescribed the maximum of 600mg of Lyrica a day wh

which helps a great deal.  I also take 15mg of methadone twice a day.  The methadone is effective for 8 hours at a time.  The dose was arrived at by reducing an excessive dose given to me by an unknowledgeable Nurse Assistant.  I was titrated down from 120mg a day (damgerous and ineffective) and noted that when I reached the level of 60mg a day I had the most analgesic effect without side effects.  I consider my current dosage too low to be effective.  What is another opinion about this?  There was no medical reason given.  I am 58 and otherwise healthy.  I have also heard that clonazepam is effective for this, particularly for sleep? David VanKamen

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6/18/09 5:42am

You'll need to ask your doctor why he chose to give you a lower dosage of the methadone than what you felt was most effective.  It may be because of possible interaction with the Lyrica, which could result in central nervous system depression.  Don't hesitate to ask your doctor to explain his rationale for treatment decisions.  As long as you don't do it in a way that seems to accuse or challenge them, most doctors shouldn't mind discussing it with you.  After all, it's your body and you have a right to know what you're putting into it and why.

 

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine which is primarily used for anxiety, insomnia and seizures.  While it could be somewhat helpful, I have my doubts as to whether your doctor would prescribe it with the Lyrica and methadone because of potential interactions.  And I think Lyrica is generally considered to be more effective in treating neuropathy than clonazepam. 

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