I was placed on Klonapin )1/2mg am and 1/2 mg pm) to treat burning sensory neuropathy. The Klonapin is causing me to wake up with head tremors and feelings like an extreme hangover, had the same thing occur on Ativan. I have only been on the Klonapin 2 weeks but wonder given this side effect if I need to be weaned off. Have already tried Doxepam, Zonalone Creme, Elavil,Dilantin, Tegretol, Tylenol/Codeine, Neurontin, Ultram,Percoset,Darvoset, etc, with really bad side effects and zero relief. Wondering what alternatives to prescription meds can be used for pain relief from small fiber sensory neuropathies? this began from a drug reaction but another MD feels it could be a combination of the drug reaction and viral syndrome together. These have not abated for 1/1/2 years. MRI's and 100 rule out tests normal. Only nerve studies showing snapped latencies, and quantitative test showing some heat deficits. Some Body MRi's show tendonitis.. This is not distal pn but rather began in my face,neck,upper back and chest, then months later spread, but primarily is worse in the upper torso. I also have rashes in the areas of the burning that become more pronounced with intensity of pain. Also have arthralgias and bone shin pain.
What physical therapies or alternatives to prescription meds might help this condition. I heard something called EMS which is like a TENS unit but not as severe helps? but that Tens would only increase the pain with small fibers as vibration sensations are unbearable. I am extremely sensitive to meds and looking for any alternatives so that I can function outside my home which I have not been able to do. Now that its cold this is escalated by the cold, and clothing against the skin hurts. Any ideas.??????Although this has been determined to be peripheral nerve problem 1 of the 6 Neuros I saw says its brain chemistry and is therefore permanent. How does one come to the conclusion whether something stems from peripheral nerve problems or brain chemistry. Or whats permanent and what has a chance to resolve in time with maybe only some residual affects? The doc who thinks its brain chemistry now wants me to try some medications used to treat psychiatric conditions which my other neuros disagree and say will be harmful and will not help this condition, only serve to create problems. Any suggestions on what I might try or what therapy/rehab/diet/supplements/ alternatives might help... I feel like the human guinea pig and each person wants to experiment. Unfortunately all experiments have failed. Can you tell me if Klonapin causes this reaction also if it should be stopped, especially if it is doing little for pain. I don't think I should be waking up with head tremors and hangover feelings and since I was pulled off Ativan for the same thing and they are in the same class, I think I just may not be able to handle this class of drug. Sorry this is long I am at my wits end an wondered what you may suggest for sensory/small fiber neuropathies with severe pain and skin hypersensitivity..besides traditional meds. Thank you for helping and all that you do on ths forum. Since we already know I have a small fiber sensory neuropathy it makes me totally reluctant to let this one Neuro allow an associate of his to test psych treatments on me. While I realize meds to treat neuropathies like Elavil cross into both areas of psych and neurology- this doctor is not talking about these type of meds or treatments but what they use on people who are psychotic. Ihave had perfectly normal mental evaluations. Other then the physical problems so to experiment with such treatments seems more harmful to me. This doctor feels this type of neuropathic pain that would last over 1 1/2 years that has not graduallly improved over time assumes I therefore have a brain chemistry problem vs a Peripheral Nervous system problem that was triggered by a drug or viral syndrome. While all the other neuros disagree! Any alternatives to help me you can offer I would greatly appreciate. Sorry for the length of the post.
Sincerely,Kara