Nifedipine for burning pain in CMT

[Dorothy__0__0]

  I am a 47yr old female RN with Charcot Marie Tooth Type 2, with hyperactive arm and leg reflexes and spasticity of my leg muscles.  My pain doctor has suggested that I start on Nifedipine to see if it helps with the burning pain I have in my hands,  I would like to know what the rational is for using Nifedipine, my doctor told me that he has no idea why it works for burning pain.  I am very cautious about taking any medications, and am unable to find any information about the use of calcium-channel blockers for burning neuropathic pain.  I am wondering if you have any knowledge of why they are being used and the mechanism of their action? Thank-you
Dear Dorothy,
I have not familiar with the use of nifedipine for the use of neuropathic pain. There are several other frequently used medications that are effective in neuropathic pain; these include tricyclics (amytriptilline, nortryptiline), small doses of clonazepam, carbamezipine and neurontin.  Perhaps there was some error in communication.  You may want to discuss some of these other alternatives with your doctor.  If you are interested in getting an evaluation at CCF call 1-800-CCF-CARE.  Good Luck.