mexiletine for central pain syndrome

[spitfire2]

I am dealing with central pain syndrome in my face, caused by brain surgery 7 years ago.  It is a continual crushing, squeezing sensation, especially around my eyes and forehead.  Can get pretty bad.  My question: has anyone with central pain (brain central pain) used mexiletine for central pain syndrome?  What dose, and has it helped at all?    Thank you very much!

[philnoir]

Well, we'll try it for my neuropathic pain and see if it can help bolster my morphine dose. If not, I can always try more morphine.

Had ketamine trigger point injections today. Still pretty sore, but hopefully in a couple of days when this settles down, it will reduce chronic muscle spasm in the large muscles of my lower back.

Haven't read your letter yet but will get to it soon.

Take care and keep moving forward -- never back up!

--phil

[spitfire2]

Hi there, buddy!  Good to hear from you too....and thank you so much for your research efforts!  I will check these links out.  Oh totally, specific clinical guidelines are hard to come by, they differ so much.  

Woah, any questions about a ton of seizure meds, just ask me.  I have...let's see...regarding lamictal, 13 years experience with that one, mostly for epilepsy (both pre and post surgical.)  Am on it now, actually.  Are you taking the xr or the regular kind?  What dose are you shooting for?  Of all the sz meds, lamictal is probably the mos "benign" in terms of side effects.  You don't get zonked out; the only side effect I've noticed is a slight issue with balance, that's it.  Just go up on it really slowly, It took me about 4 months to reach my current average range dose, so it will take time, but it's a pretty decent med in terms of side effects.  Hope it helps you!  

And any new miracle info about mexiletine, I'm all ears!  

[philnoir]

Hi pain pal - have been doing a little research for you, trying to stay clear of the rat neurobiologists... here's what I've come up with.

Don't have specifics on doses -- same problem -- still too many rat researchers and not enough clinical guidelines, however this first reference, if your doctor has access to Springer, might help.

I've provided other studies that are related, even if only remotely.

Incidentally, I'm about to try Lamotrigine myself. Don't know if you've had any experience with this medication.

Best wishes...


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25112542

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20425204

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20097124

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18956616

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18793209

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18648238

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18484790

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16235318

[spitfire2]

Thank you very much for your help, I'll check out the website.  And thank you also for your kind words!  :)

I don't know too much about mexiletine other than the recommended dose of 600 to 1,000mg, preferably the higher dose, for my pain.  I'm only starting (currently 200mg,) so I have a way to go, but no side effects so far.  I am very sensitive, and have tried all kinds of meds, with a lot of bad side effects, so I'm glad no probs so far.  At least it's not a seizure medication, those are hellish.  Anyway, any info is much appreciated....hope it's helped others with brain central pain, and hope it's not too hard to handle on the higher doses!

[BetterGetBetter]

I haven't used it, but if you are looking for people's experiences with it, there are some stories here: http://treato.com/Mexiletine,Dizzy/?a=s (when you scroll down, you will see quite a list of reports. Just be sure to click on the part that says "read full report" because there are so many only the first one or two sentences are listed).

And hopefully, some forum members here will be able to share their experiences, too.

Your condition sounds pretty rough, I'm sorry you have so much pain. I sure wish you well, and I hope your doctors take good care of you.