MEDICATIONS

Most of us with CRPS take medications on a daily basis. There are some rare cases where I have heard and talked to CRPS patients that have refused to take medications but these people have had the disease in one isolated body part like a toe or finger.  When I asked why they had stopped all their meds they told me that they felt that using medications at this time in their lives would diminish the results if the disease should spread at a later time.   Most rely on meditation and relaxation techniques to hold the pain at bay.   They have a valid point.  Our bodies can develop tolerances to medications which can require dosage adjustments but; there comes a point when the dosage cannot be adjusted.  At that point a different medication may be tried or invasive therapies like a drug infusion pump, neuro-stimulator and even electro-convulsive therapy may be recommended.  Unfortunately, these may not be an answer either and so a patient can be left with no options at all. 

There are a variety of medications out there for pain.  Some of the medications that are prescribed for pain are off-brand medications; meaning that pain reduction is not the primary reason it is prescribed.  Examples of this type of medication are: topamax, neurontin, cymbalta, paxil and mucinex.   In most cases the generic is used rather than the name brand which can cause confusion unless you happen to know both names.  Read the patient inserts that are provided by the pharmacy so that you are aware of the possible side effects as well as how the drug is supposed to work.  It can be difficult to pinpoint side effects to one drug especially if you are taking several at one time.    

Medications work differently from person to person and I am not a doctor; so I subscribe to the philosophy of not revealing to others what I take and not recommending a person try any drug.  I have found that when patients talk about the medications they are on that it eventually turns into a semi-competitive discussion and that is something I do not think is good for anyone.  It also pays to keep your mouth shut because you never know who might be listening.

Medications are valuable commodities.  Most of us have to sign drug agreements that state medications will not be replaced if lost or stolen.  In order to keep my meds safe; I keep them in a fire safe that is locked and hidden somewhere in my house.   I also keep all my medications in the original containers especially when I travel.  Keeping your meds in their original bottles provides proof that you have a valid prescription to anyone that should ask e.g. police, transportation authority.    If you are travelling and are stopped by law enforcement, they can confiscate the meds unless they can be identified as legitimate.

The effectiveness of your medications can be altered by when and how you take them as well as what you eat.   Meds should always be taken at the same time each day with water.  Drinking milk or juice can decompose certain medications rendering them less effective or useless.   8 ounces of fluid is required to dissolve tablets; less than that can leave remnants of the drug on the stomach lining causing problems down the road.  Alcohol should never be used to wash pills down because it can accelerate side effects.

Most meds can be taken on an empty stomach.  The general rule of thumb is that if your meds require an empty stomach then they should be taken one hour prior to a meal or two hours after.  Meds that should be taken with food should be taken immediately before or after a meal.  There are certain foods that can interfere with your med’s effectiveness.  A great example is the consumption of tomatoes and grapefruit.  The acid in these foods can cause your medications to decompose; stripping the body’s ability to extract nutrients from the food.

People who have chronic pain, use alcohol, smoke and take antacids, laxatives, pain relievers, tranquilizers and blood thinners need to be especially careful as your calcium, potassium, vitamins B and K levels can be negatively affected.   Check with your doctor about having regular labs drawn to see if supplements are needed.   You should know your medications and how they make you feel.  If a drug is not working for you then why take it?  

Medications are a serious matter.  Doctors are held accountable by the DEA for each prescription that they write.   The DEA requires regular drug testing of patients on narcotics and other class II drugs to ensure that you are not abusing the privilege.   Trust that your doctor is writing what he thinks is best for you.  Remember that your doctor and pharmacist are your guides and partners.  Do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions and do not stop, start or alter how your prescription is written; your health and well-being depends on it.