Posted by CCF Neurology MD on August 14, 1997 at 18:42:32:

In Reply to: AIDS related neuropathies posted by Ron Carroll on July 19, 1997 at 19:47:59:

: Is there any medication that can assist with burning/tingling on the plantar surfaces of the feet assumed to be secondary to Zerit taken in 40 mg bid? The symptoms are of recent onset. I have tried Nortriptline and Elavil both at 25 mg per dose with limited success during the day and minimal effectiveness at night. Is neurotonin a possible effective treatment modality?
=Dear R. Carroll, The question arises if the burning/tingling sensation you are experiencing is secondary to the Zerit(Stavudine), the AIDS or some combination of the two. Many of the newer agents used to treat AIDS have as one of their significant side effect to cause a peripheral neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves with resultant abnormal sensation, E.G. burning/tingling). Normally, we would recommend you discontinue or significantly reduce the amount of the drug believed to be causing the peripheral neuropathy for a period of time to see if the symptons improved but in your case that is probably not possible. Therefore, treatment appears as the only viable option. I would recommend you discuss with your primary doctor two major classes of drugs to consider that are often used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy symptons:1. Antieplieptic agents such as neurontin or tegretol; 2. Serontonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors such as Prozac. All of these drugs have side effects, some of which are quite significant. In addition, since you are probably on other prescription medications, there is the distinct possibility of drug-drug interactions. Therefore the need for consultation with your doctor(s) before trying a new drug for the peripheral neuropathy. As an additional recommendation, I would make sure that there are no other causes or contribting factor(s) for the peripheral neuropathy(I.E. treatable causes for peripheral neuropathy such as thyroid disorders, blood sugar disorders, abnormal Vit B-12 or B-6 levels, abnormal electrolytes, etc.) which could be evaluated with a series of blood tests. "This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition."