Daniel asks…
What is the best pain medication for post herpetic pain after shingles?
admin answers:
Lyrica.
David asks…
I received a card from a friend who wrote that she is in sever pain from shingles and the pain meds don’t help
she ask if I had any miracle answers. I remember some thing about a medicine other than a pain medication, but not the name. Does anyone have any ideas? Alternative medicine and things that have worked for you would also be appreiciated as she is terribly depressed by this and we live across country so I can not visit.
I guess I did not explain myself very well, she states that she has been to the docters and all the medication she has been given has not helped. Isn’t two months a long time? When I had them, they only lasted for 3-4 months.
admin answers:
Look up post-herpetic neuralgia.
This type of pain is different than muscle pain. It is called neuropathic pain. Meds like gabapentin target this type of pain. There are some new meds on the market that specifically target this type of pain as well. Have him go to the doctor.
Edit: Then go to a different doctor. Even if you get the name of a drug here you can’t get it without going to a doctor. If she is still having pain, try a neurologist or a pain specialist. And no, its not unusual for the pain to last that long. If all conservative measures fail, there is a procedure that essentially kills the sensory nerves in that area that supply the pain – usually done by a neurologist after conservative treatment fails.
Chris asks…
How long does the pain of shingles last?
Is there a medication that helps relieve the pain?
admin answers:
How long? -depends on location, extend of outbreak, age, general health, personal factors. I’ve seen those who state it never really hurt, only stung or itched a little on occasion to those who said it affected their every movement the rest of their life.
There are several meds commonly used. Lidocaine patch or cream under occlusion can offer some quick relief. I offer hydrocodone short-term, up to a couple weeks, but most people don’t like it due to side effects and dependence can develop. Long-term, “nerve medicines” are used such as antidepressants.
Thomas asks…
question on medications and pain from shingles?
I have shingles of the face–I’ve posted a couple of times–thanks for the help on those. Can I take a sleeping pill–Ambien—-and the meds for shingles? I take Valtrex, Neurontin and a salve in my eye. Also for hbp, diovan, toprol, and hctz. I’ve developed such burning pain in my neck, shoulder and arm, and a real problem with my eye, feeling like it has something in it which is driving me crazy!
I saw the opth/ and corneal specialist today. Have drops and was told it’s only slightly inflamed and only on the outside white area, not on the front and that’s good so far.
Tell me this will get better. They seem to think it will, but it takes time. I see the opth again next week. Didn’t sleep much last night. Oh, they also prescribed a creme for the pain on my face, neck and arms and it’s not available at several stores around,so won’t get it until MOnday. So frustrated. thanks
yanksgirl
admin answers:
It will get better. Yes, by all means take your ambien. It will help you sleep.
I am a nurse, and i wish I could do something more to help you.
PS did you know you can give an unsuspecting person who has never had chicken pox chicken pox right now?
Just thought I would pass that little tid bit along.
Steven asks…
Is there anyway to treat shingles without prescription medication?
Recently, I have developed severe pain in my left arm. In addition to this pain, I have a blister like rash. I did some online research and I am almost certain that it is shingles. My insurance company dropped me last week and I cannot afford to go to a doctor.
admin answers:
I am sorry that you don’t have insurance to help with this. In mild cases of shingles outbreaks, you can sometimes manage to control the pain with something like ibuprofen. People did suffer with the outbreaks before there was medication available, but honestly if you can figure any way to see a doctor you will be much more comfortable a lot sooner than you will be without. If you start taking antivirals soon enough, you can cut the time you suffer and help avoid complications like neuralgia. Otherwise, the ibuprofen can help with the pain, and a topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin can help avoid infection in the broken skin. It also helps if you keep the broken skin covered in a bandage most of the time, since air movement will set off the nerves in that raw skin and make it hurt more. However, if exposure to air doesn’t hurt, it will help the skin stay dry if you can air it out. Just keep it out of sunlight because that tends to make it itch and burn more. Honestly though, do try to get in to see a doctor- even if it’s at the local health department clinic. The medications can make you feel a lot better, sooner.
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