Expert: Eric Brandt - 1/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: What are the brand names for gabapentin, amitriptyline and carbamazepine?  Also, do they stop the progression of neuropathy and how do they work?q

ANSWER: Hi Roberta,
The brand name for gabapentin is Neurontin. The brand name for amitriptyline is Elavil. The brand name for carbamazepine is Tegretol. These do not stop the progression of neuropathy. They manage the symptoms. How long they are effective for is not predictable. It depends on the cause and progrssion of the neuropathy.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have been DX with erythromelagia.  Is Neurontin prescribed for this also?

ANSWER: Hi Robert,
Neurontin is a useful drug to treat nerve pain and it can be used to treat symptoms of erythromelagia.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt,B.Sc. Pharm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Are there any medications that can completely stop the progression of erythromelalgia on the market today?

Answer
Hi Robert,
At the current time we can only manage symptoms of neruropathy. If the neuropathy has a known cause, for exmpple diabetes, then it could be stopped from worsening(not reversed) by better managing the diabetes.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm