Alternative therapies?

I am a 25 year old female, with no history of health problems.  For about 3 months I have experienced parasthesias beginning on the left side of my body, and now crossing over to my right side as well.  It is in my legs, feet, hands and arms, and sometimes my tongue, traveling from place to place, different every day throughout the day.  For example it is sometimes just in my left foot, other times, in both of my upper arms and my right leg, etc..  I also experience fasciculations, mostly in my legs, after exercise.  A neuro exam, EMGs, and a head and neck MRI revealed nothing. (Except possible carpal tunnel, to which occasional shooting pains in my forearms and fingers were attributed.)  The parasthesias and fasciculations were attributed to stress (I am experiencing quite a bit right now) and I was given Paxil for anxiety, which I would prefer not to take due to side effects, difficult withdrawal etc.  However, at times the sensations are so strong they are almost painful, and I am wondering if any alternative therapies such as acupuncture may help stop them? What about herbal therapies? Are these a good possibility?  Thank you for your time.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

It sounds like you've had an extensive workup (which thankfully came up normal) for your painful paresthesias.  Every drug has side effects, and you are justified in your concern about them.  However, if you have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression and are seen by a physician who is willing to follow you closely with counseling and careful administration/titration of these medications, then theoretically it should be ok.  On the other hand, some people have had improvement of their symptoms with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback, and meditation.  As long as these therapies aren't potentially harmful to the patient, I usually tell them to go ahead and try it.  Be careful with herbal preparations.  As you know, the contents are not approved or inspected by the FDA and can result in unwanted side effects such as increased blood pressure. Best of luck.

[tg814]

Can anyone tell me how to post a question? I have tried as early as 2:00am and still get the message that the max number of questions has been reached even though no one has posted on this day.

[Loree125]

I too have been trying to post a question for almost a month now, I am new here and I've tried morning, noon and night and even 3am in the morning to post my question.  I am just about ready to give up! Good luck!

[Croz]

FYI, I have had GREAT results thus far with Neurontin and have no noticable side effects.  I'd say my parasthesias and pain--which have evolved and progressed over a number of years--are reduce by about 80-90 percent, currently.  And, I'm only taking 900 mg per day.  I have a long way to increase if need be.  It's nice to be able to concentrate on other things again without the constant interruption.  Good luck.

[Adele]

The best time to post is between 7am CST and 8:30am CST... I have gotten on between 7:45am & 8:05 am a couple of times..