mistydrifter55 said:If you add all that up, it sounds like you have actual physical nerve damage somewhere. In that case, Neurontin and narcotics might actually help.
Lyric and Clonazepam mostly target the psychological side of things. If your pain is strictly physical, it makes sense why they aren't doing much for you.
That is correct; it is chronic damage to the spinal nerve. It provides a solid clinical insight and a clear diagnosis. 🙂 If things get truly unbearable, I find that taking Neurontin can help alleviate some of the intensity of the Targin. One must remain on Neurontin continuously; that is simply how it has to be done.
Andrew Doyle said:mistydrifter55, I dealt with glossopharyngeal neuralgia—just constant, excruciating chronic pain that dragged on for months. At first, they tried putting me on corticosteroids, which were absolutely useless. Total waste of time. But after scouring some international medical forums, I saw people talking about how Lyric and Tegretol actually worked for this. My doctors wouldn't touch those prescriptions; instead, they just kept shuffling me off to pain management clinics, and eventually, I ended up with a physical therapist who spent weeks basically blasting the painful area with a laser. It turns out two nerves were inflamed—one exiting the brain and one heading toward the spinal cord. It took me a solid six or seven months before that agony finally subsided. Honestly, there were moments I thought I wasn't going to make it. I wouldn't wish that kind of suffering on my worst enemy...
Poor 😢 I deal with a specific type of neuralgia myself, and it is chronic. Only Neurontin provides any relief; Lyric, Clonazepam, and opioids have been completely ineffective. Nothing works except for heavy narcotics. But the fact that they wouldn't prescribe those medications to you... what exactly do they intend to use to treat such pain if not anti-epileptics or certain antidepressants? And what on earth were they doing "burning" you with a laser? That sounds horrific! I suppose I am fortunate to have the care I receive at my local pain clinic.
I’ve been managing my neuropathic pain by taking as much Neurontin as I can handle; I tried Amitriptyline before, but it just didn't provide any relief
I have also heard that doctors sometimes prescribe Topamax alongside antidepressants to help with migraines
For instance, if we look up Anacin Forte by its brand name, someone with supplemental insurance would pay $0.67. Meanwhile, someone without supplemental insurance would pay 18? Did I interpret this correctly?
You have grasped the general concept correctly. Supplemental insurance does not cover drugs on the "B-list" (standard Medicare supplement), so in those cases, you still pay $0.67. Even if you don't have supplemental insurance at all, you will still be responsible for paying $0.67. That price of $6.00 for Anacin—which is actually about 35 percent higher than that—is what people pay when they use a private prescription, or a "cash" prescription. However, even though supplemental insurance doesn't waive the small co-pay of 2 dollars, it does exempt you from the $3.25 you typically pay at the pharmacy, since every prescription carries a processing fee of $3.25, except for certain specific diagnoses. Furthermore, if a prescription calls for two boxes, you still only pay $3.25 rather than 20. I hope that clarifies things: with supplemental insurance, you pay 2 dollars at the pharmacy; without supplemental insurance, you pay $4.00 at the pharmacy plus $3.25 if you had an in-person doctor's visit.
I am curious about who currently has access to my electronic health records, and specifically, who is authorized to input data into them (assuming this process differs from what we have used previously).
Furthermore, is there a way for me to view my own medical file, and more importantly, can I see an audit log of who has accessed it?
Yes, you can check the access logs. You also have the ability to restrict which specialists can view your files, though your primary care physician will always maintain access. In practice, no one "writes" directly into the central portal; instead, the information is pulled from the databases of your local clinics and hospitals. While you can access this through the federal health portal, please note it doesn't pull legacy data—it only reflects records updated since October 1, 2016.
My apologies, I completely lost track of the fact that I was posting on Reddit. I would appreciate it if the Moderator could move this thread over to the Health section. My mistake.
Please forgive me if this discussion has already been started elsewhere; I am looking for information regarding polyneuropathy, which has essentially reached a standstill for me. My neuropathy stems from chronic sciatic nerve damage following several spinal surgeries. Does anyone have any advice to offer? I have been waiting months for an appointment with Dr. Bilic at Mayo Clinic, as everyone I know insists she is the absolute best in her field. I have already visited a clinic for pain. Currently, I am taking Amizol and Lyrica, though their effectiveness has been quite minimal. I couldn't tolerate Neurontin, Cymbalta, or Effexor at all. Higher doses of Tramadol provide some relief, but they leave me completely incapacitated. I have tried several courses of Neurobion, magnesium, and alpha-lipoic acid, along with various other natural supplements. Acupuncture hasn't helped, nor has osteopathy; even electrical stimulation and laser therapy just seem to further irritate the nerve. It isn't inflammation, as an epidural injection provided no relief. I am holding out hope that Dr. Bilic can offer some meaningful help, or at least give me a realistic idea of how much recovery is actually possible. To be honest, I have moderately severe L5/S1 damage that is "well-compensated"—whatever that term is supposed to mean. Do you have any suggestions or perhaps the name of another neurologist I could see while I wait for Prof. Bilic?
If someone genuinely believes that antidepressants are addictive, then they simply shouldn't take them. It’s as simple as that. Regardless of whether that claim holds any medical weight or not, they should just deal with it. Even if an addiction were to exist, we aren't talking about the kind of dependency where people are desperately checking themselves into rehab centers to detox from hard drugs, valium, or Ativan. I honestly don't understand the argument. If a person can navigate their mental health struggles without medication, then that is wonderful. But if they cannot, there is no obligation to suffer. Just consider the sheer number of people dealing with various types of physical agony. I agree that life is ideally lived without pills—any pills. For those who can manage without them, great. But try enduring the kind of physical pain that pushes you to the absolute brink and then refuse treatment, even when a doctor warns you that the medication might be tough on your stomach or your liver. In my experience, taking a single Advil does more damage to your stomach than an antidepressant ever could. Anyway, I’m done rambling. My stance is this: if antidepressants aren't helping you, don't take them; but if they are helping and you feel guilty about needing them, then you'll just have to endure the struggle.
Of course, there are sleep aids available, but I wouldn't recommend them; I think we can all agree on that point. If you truly find yourself unable to rest, your best bet is to visit a local pharmacy and ask for something natural or perhaps some melatonin—though, if you want to be clever about it, tell them you're already taking Xanax.
Kevin Hayes83 said:Thanks for the input. I’ve got a follow-up appointment in about twenty days, so I’ll just see how things shake out then. Honestly, I feel okay right now, so I'm not going to obsess over it too much or stress myself out.
Does anyone know of a decent substitute for an anxiolytic that isn't some kind of antidepressant?
Basically, I can fall asleep, but then I'm wide awake at 4 or 6 in the morning, and once that happens, getting back to sleep is a nightmare... I'm totally wired.
Look, anxiolytics like Misar or Xanax work immediately. Regarding sleep, don't focus on that right now; someone else already mentioned relaxation techniques. Honestly, nothing regarding this medication regimen will change significantly before your check-up, especially in terms of building a habit. If it were any other situation, every general practitioner in the country would likely refer you straight to a psychiatrist before even considering prescribing Xanax. Try to view this current period as a testing phase. Perhaps try skipping a single dose one day just to observe how you feel. It isn't a certainty that you will end up needing an antidepressant. Based on my assessment, your attacks don't seem frequent enough to warrant that. However, I would strongly suggest finding a psychologist to talk to; they can provide you with practical techniques to manage panic attacks. If things don't improve, seek out a psychiatrist after your follow-up—but make sure they are also a psychotherapist, as seeing a psychiatrist alone often isn't enough. If they determine an antidepressant is necessary, then so be it. Generally speaking, that approach is much more beneficial than relying on Xanax. That said, none of us can tell you definitively whether you need an antidepressant; you need a professional evaluation in person. Just stay brave. Don't worry too much about the Xanax right now; handle the follow-up first, see the specialist, and then decide on the next steps. And please, do not fear antidepressants; I doubt a doctor would prescribe them lightly.
As for the difference between Misar and Xanax, there is a very slight distinction that some people notice while others don't. My doctor mentioned that due to the pill's coating, the dissolution rate in the stomach can vary from person to person. But don't let that worry you right now. The most important thing is that you realized this wasn't a heart issue, but rather a panic response, especially since Lexaurin and Lexillium didn't provide the relief you needed. This is solvable through conversation. Even if you find yourself needing Xanax occasionally—say, once or twice a month—that is perfectly acceptable.
Jason Vaughn482 said:It doesn't work on me either, and I've never even taken it, so I tossed it immediately. Even 50 mg of Quapine does nothing for me, so I ended up sleeping the old-fashioned way last night: 10 mg of Sanval combined with 7.5 mg of Calixte... tell me, how much Sanval do you take alongside those 25 mg Quapine doses?
Look... I don't take it regularly. Occasionally, along with 10 mg of Ambien, I’ll take half or a quarter of a 25 mg Qapin, but it leaves me feeling like a zombie. I am essentially testing it out so I have something concrete to tell my psychiatrist. I was also given some Valium to try, but it hasn't helped either. Perhaps I have simply developed a tolerance to everything since I've been taking one or two 5 mg doses of Norvasc every night for the last year or two to act as a muscle relaxant for my back issues. Otherwise, I never take anything during the day, except for the occasional Xanax. Reica, thank you for the support. I honestly don't know what the future holds, but the pain and physical limitations are going to drive me insane. Just so you know, I take two Aleve in the morning; that is the only thing that keeps me somewhat functional. And yes, I remember both our experiences dealing with Effexor. I wouldn't want to go through 🙂 ever again.
It has been quite some time since I last posted here. I find myself in a bit of a predicament lately, as it looks like I have several more surgeries ahead of me. Because the pain has been so intense, I’ve started taking Tramadol, and I must admit, I am developing a bit of a dependency on it. On another note, could someone please explain how it is even possible for a hypnotic medication to have absolutely no effect if I’ve never taken it before? Specifically, I’m talking about Flurazepam—even at 60 mg, I feel nothing. I am currently struggling through with Sanval, and I tried using some leftover Quaaludes I had lying around; half of a 25 mg pill actually puts me to sleep, but then the next day is the usual story: I just stare blank at the wall, and thank goodness I’m not drooling out of my mouth, haha. In my entire life, the only time I have ever truly fallen asleep was under general anesthesia after they injected me with three shots of something—to everyone watching, it was a miracle because usually, one shot does the trick. And no, it wasn't Dormicum, but something much heavier used by anesthesiologists. So, how is it possible to feel nothing from a hypnotic when you've never used it? I'm genuinely confused.
It is perfectly natural that you’re feeling anxious right now; honestly, I would be too. Dealing with aging and mental health struggles can be intimidating, but please know that these issues are very manageable today, and you won't be stuck in this state forever. It seems like you've been getting some inconsistent guidance from previous doctors, so my advice is to find a highly reputable neurologist in Chicago to get a proper home prescription. If they do decide on a brief hospital stay, remember that it's only for a few days so they can monitor how you respond to the medication—it isn't a permanent situation 🙂 just stay strong
Brandon Lopez6 said:Not sure which anti-epileptic you were prescribed, but those often act as mood stabilizers too, so if you're dealing with epilepsy (like me), it's a win win. Personally, I didn't deal with any side effects when I started the anti-epileptic.
What specifically do you want to know about Amyzol? I've been on 10mg four times a day for almost a year now. 🙂
I was wondering, if I'm prescribed this for those other issues, does it cause heavy sedation by the second day? For my current condition, they suggest taking 10 or 25 before bed. The problem is that by the next day, I struggle with anything that causes drowsiness; I just couldn't adjust to it with things like Xanax or Seroquel. If it does cause sedation, does that eventually wear off after a while?
Man, 😢 I wasn't aware you both dealt with epilepsy. It isn't easy, though it seems you both have things under control. 😉
I find myself returning to this question: is anyone here currently taking Lyrica? It’s typically prescribed in lower doses for generalized anxiety or neuropathy. I was on it quite some time ago to deal with nerve damage following spinal surgery, but I only managed to tolerate it for about two months. While it worked wonders for my anxiety, it left me feeling wired—almost like I was on speed—which made sleep impossible. As for the neuropathy, you really need a higher dose and longer-term use to see results, so the pain persisted regardless. I am curious to hear if anyone else is using it and how you are managing. Also, I know Amyl is sometimes prescribed in small amounts, though I will need to consult with my neurosurgeon and coordinate that with my psychiatrist. If you are struggling with anxiety, feel free to ask about Lyrica, though unfortunately, it can be quite expensive. Just keep in mind it isn't indicated for epilepsy.
brightviper22 said:Here I go again (dayria). Banned until four months from now. Things have been hitting rock bottom lately, so I figured I’d share what the last few weeks have looked like. Ended up back in the hospital—this time at a facility in Memphis. I felt half-dead, just waiting to sign the discharge papers so I could get out of there. Since then, everything has been dark. Suicidal thoughts won't leave me alone. I told my psychiatrist today, but of course, my idiot father had to barge into the office and turn it into a massive drama. Now I’m stuck on Prozac, they left me Seroquel, and xanax. To make matters worse, my doctor snatched 😠 right out from under me. On Tuesday the 24th, I was just sitting at my laptop when suddenly I was surrounded by EMTs. My heart rate shot up to 150 beats per minute 😲. Apparently, I collapsed, started shaking, and hit my head on a radiator. Long story short, after all the tests, they think I might have epilepsy 🙂. Just what I needed. Now the psychiatrist is pushing for me and my old man to check into the hospital for two weeks of injections. Absolutely not happening. I barely survived those 14 days last time. Waking up at 6 AM, forced exercises when you'd rather gouge your eyes out, food that tastes like sludge, people who don't even shower, others who just pass gas... no chance. Unless they can arrange for me to get my shots locally here in Nashville, I'm not going. And yeah, they gave me some brutal anti-epileptic med that gives me splitting headaches. I'm exhausted. Maybe third time's the charm if I can finally manage to end it. I need to find a new way. They hid my ☕
Dayri, I am so sorry that you are struggling so much and being shuffled through various psychiatrists. Please don't kill yourself; it isn't worth it. However, it is possible that you do have epilepsy, which would explain why they are treating you this way. I see that your parents are worried about you, and while I know that gets on your nerves, it is actually a good thing. If they had the money for private psychotherapy, that would be ideal. Or, at the very least, if they could get you to a specialist who truly understands pharmacology, someone you can be completely honest with regarding everything you've taken, both legally and otherwise. There has to be someone.