What Does Generalised Aches And Pains In Arms Of A Person With Pacemaker Suggest?

Posted on Fri, 17 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 Answered on

Fri, 8 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor Rynne! My 68 year old father has been taking levetiracetam for about 3 years. Last July, he experienced a full heart block and ended up with a pacemaker. For the past few weeks, he has been experiencing alot of generalized aches and pains in the groin, legs and arms. The pain is so severe that it prevents him from sleeping at night. His right hand especially as the wrist and thumb area is really swollen and painful. We are wondering if it could be side effects from that medication specified earlier? Also, what pain medications are safe to take considering he has a pacemaker. Your help and advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your prompt reply. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Should not cause the swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
The Levetiracetam can occasionally cause some weakness but it does not usually cause swelling and generalized pain. Please consult with his regular doctor to try and figure out the cause of the pain.
The pain will be better treated by understanding the cause and treating that. If he does not have any contraindication to ibuprofen (hypertension, heart failure) it should be fine for him to try that for the pain. If he needs something stronger he may need a prescription from his doctor. You could also give him 25 mg of benadryl at night to help him sleep
I hope he is feeling better soon.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 hours later)

Thank you so much for your answer. The Dr he saw said it was arthritis and to take Tylenol. He was taking Naproxen before that and found that helped much better. However, he was advised not to take Naproxen often. His regular medications are: Levetiracetam, Enteric Coated Aspirin, Crestor and Ativan.
What is the reason Naproxen cannot be used for pain relief since getting a pacemaker?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
naproxen and ibuprofen

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your follow up
Naproxen and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatories. They are safe if taken occasionally but especially if already on an aspirin they can increase the risk of ulcers. If the Naproxen is more helpful then it should be okay for him to take it but he may also need to be on a medication such as omeprazole to protect his stomach from ulcers. Ask his doctors if this is an option. There is no other reason that he should not be on the naproxen if it is more helpful. It is always better to take medications like naproxen or ibuprofen only occasionally and to use tylenol whenever possible
I hope he is getting relief soon.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E