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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Pain In Arm Due To Shingles

Hello, I have had shingles since April 2, 2014. I have no leasions, but the pain and stinging is just awful. It goes from my left arm to my armpit and over my breast. Also my back. I have been on gabapatin for a long time for siasures, and have tryed the patch, now my neuroligist has suggested tigament. Will there be a problem with the gabapatin?
Tue, 27 Jan 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Post herpetic neuralgia or pain after shingles is a known entity and distressful to the patient. The recommended treatment for pain after shingle is
Lidocaine skin patches
Capsaicin skin patches
Anticonvulsants
Antidepressants
Opioid painkillers

Your doctor has given gabapentin which is an anticonvulsant to help control burning and pain. Side effects of these drugs include drowsiness, unclear thinking, unsteadiness and swelling in the feet. However these are temporary and will stop after you discontinue taking the medications. There is another medication called pregabalin and this is also an anticonvulsant.

Please do not worry about any long term problems due to medications. Treatment might still take sometime in your case.
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Suggest Treatment For Pain In Arm Due To Shingles

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Post herpetic neuralgia or pain after shingles is a known entity and distressful to the patient. The recommended treatment for pain after shingle is Lidocaine skin patches Capsaicin skin patches Anticonvulsants Antidepressants Opioid painkillers Your doctor has given gabapentin which is an anticonvulsant to help control burning and pain. Side effects of these drugs include drowsiness, unclear thinking, unsteadiness and swelling in the feet. However these are temporary and will stop after you discontinue taking the medications. There is another medication called pregabalin and this is also an anticonvulsant. Please do not worry about any long term problems due to medications. Treatment might still take sometime in your case.