Acetaminophen Acetaminophen decreases fever and pain, but does not help inflammation. Adult dosing is 2 regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours or 2 extra-strength (500 mg) every 6 hours. Maximum dose is 4,000 mg per day. Avoid this drug if you have alcoholism, liver disease or an allergy to the drug. See the package instructions. Common brand names include Tylenol, Panadol, and many others.
Aspirin Aspirin decreases pain, fever and inflammation. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Adult dosing is two regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours with food. There are numerous products that contain aspirin. Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Ibuprofen Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Adult dosing is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 1,200 mg per day without a doctor's recommendation. Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin. Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Naproxen Naproxen decreases pain, fever and inflammation. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Adult dosing is 200 or 220 mg twice a day with food. Do not exceed 500 mg per day. Its brand name is Aleve. Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Ketoprofen Ketoprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Adult dosing is 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours with food. Do not exceed 75 mg per day. Its brand name is Orudis KT. Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
NSAID Precautions Avoid using alcohol when taking any of these medications. Do not mix prescription and non-prescription NSAIDS unless directed to do so by your doctor. NSAIDS can interact with other blood thinners, such as Coumadin, and cause bleeding complications. Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you have a history of: Allergy to aspirin Asthma Peptic ulcer disease Stomach ulcers Esophageal ulcers Bleeding problems Liver disease Kidney disease
Thanks Steve. Looks like I can take it. I wish it would help!
Thanks again!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Ibuprofen is the main ingredient in Advil. Especially at higher doses. it could be your first ticket to kidney failure & the need for dialysis. Even at lower dose, it constricts blood vessels - and that can be a problem.
Those with lyme already have stressed and (most likely) damaged liver and kidney issues (even if the basic tests squeak by . . . this is a very serious concern for those dealing the a toxic infection and who are also taking other medications that need to filer out of body).
A "typical" dose for the average person can be overkill (in a very literal sense of the term) for someone with lyme.
Important to know, in general:
acetaminophen - even just one dose can hamper not just the liver but every cell as it causes every cell to block glutathione, required for proper cellular respiration and "clean-up" -- and it blocks the liver from being able to do its job in making and using glutathione. This can cause damage.
ibuprofen - can be very hard in kidneys -- it constructs blood vessels and that can be bad news for the whole body, organs and especially the kidneys.
MAGNESIUM is the first thing to think of for pain relief. Water, too. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen links are here, as are links for other options for pain relief, including magnesium detail:
LIVER & KIDNEY SUPPORT & and several HERXHEIMER support links, too. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- You say advil is not working for you, anyway and that you may try Neurontin. Many find that that helps to some degree. Others have varying reports.
It may cause dizziness & weakness of legs so see how it works for you before you might drive]. It is a sedative, so for that reason you are well used to it be sure before driving.
It (as are both acetaminophen and ibuprofen) ototoxic so liver & kidney support is all that more important as protection for the ears, too, but no guarantee again ear damage.
If you do have any dizziness / vertigo from it, GINGER capsules can help. Ginger is also good to help manage pain as it helps decrease inflammation that often causes pain.
Neurontin processes through the kidneys so be sure that you have not just liver support on board but also kidney support (and time apart from the Rx).
Below, see section: ANTI-CONVULSANT DRUGS . . . lists Gabapentin (Neurontin) . . . and also see the mention for acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Additional detail in the updated book, recently released: 3rd Edition of "Ototoxic Drugs".
[ 08-04-2014, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Berberine is what I find to be my best pain reducer. The first few days can be a bit rough but, after about a week, much less pain and inflammation for me. I've gone off several times and pain always gets worse off and takes a week back on to feel okay again.
BERBERINE – LINKS SET -
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Ibuprofen takes the edge off of pain for me. I take it before bedtime.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
quote:Originally posted by Keebler: - Ibuprofen is the main ingredient in Advil. Especially at higher doses. it could be your first ticket to kidney failure & the need for dialysis. Even at lower dose, it constricts blood vessels - and that can be a problem.
Those with lyme already have stressed and (most likely) damaged liver and kidney issues (even if the basic tests squeak by . . . this is a very serious concern for those dealing the a toxic infection and who are also taking other medications that need to filer out of body).
A "typical" dose for the average person can be overkill (in a very literal sense of the term) for someone with lyme.
Important to know, in general:
acetaminophen - even just one dose can hamper not just the liver but every cell as it causes every cell to block glutathione, required for proper cellular respiration and "clean-up" -- and it blocks the liver from being able to do its job in making and using glutathione. This can cause damage.
ibuprofen - can be very hard in kidneys -- it constructs blood vessels and that can be bad news for the whole body, organs and especially the kidneys.
MAGNESIUM is the first thing to think of for pain relief. Water, too. -
Whoa, Keebler, I didn't know any of this! THANK YOU for posting! :)
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
I agree they are very powerful drugs (Ibuprofen & so on). But if used correctly, over-the-counter Ibuprofen can help with acute aches and pains.
It’s always best to talk with your doctor before using these, Lyme or no Lyme.
Steve
Posted by dbpei (Member # 33574) on :
Every so often, I get killer head aches that are almost unbearable - I have tried increasing my turmeric, magnesium, fish oil, (anti-inflammatory supplements) but they do not seem to relieve the pain. The only thing that seems to help me is Advil or ibuprofen.
I don't take it often, but it is a life saver during these horrible head aches.
Posted by unsure445 (Member # 15962) on :
Thank you Keebler for all of this helpful information.
I need to increase my magnesium dose because it has crept down. Yes, acetaminophen is even worse than advil in terms of liver and kidney toxicity.
The Advil I took earlier never put a dent in the pain I am having which is what I figured would happen.
I read an article somewhere a while back that stated that morphine isn't very effective for Lyme and TBI pain and that if pain meds don't help it's a good indicator that the pain is in fact from the infections and not something else.
Again, thank you Keebler! You are the best!
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
Advil liquid gel caps were my drug of choice before I knew I had Lyme/ Bart.
I now try and use it sparingly, probably 3x a week, whereas before I was taking it multiple times a day.
I take higher dose quality Tumeric 2x a day now for inflammation-
As far as acetaminophen (Tylenol) that may impair glutathione/ liver detox,
all the Pediatricians used to say 'dose your baby/ toddler with Tylenol before coming in for your vaccine appointment for pain relief/ make it easier'. *shudder*
They don't say that anymore- moms caught on.
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
Oh, and for a killer headache that nothing can touch (and thank God those are very rare now)
Ice packs. Ice packs right on my head are the only thing that can help.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- unsure . . . other than for all the soft inside stuff that can be in pain, you don't say if it could be mechanical / structural.
Even if our "internal soft stuffing" is where the pain is, sometimes our posture, our behavior / habits / ergonomics can be gently adjusted and help get stuff moving again. Gentle massage . . . acupressure . . . restorative yoga (not power!).
Put your left foot in and (gently) move it all about. When we put on some music and move around a bit, even if it's just crawling on our bellies like a reptile, that can have its benefits. -
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
Very dark room, ice, sleep...
Steve
Posted by unsure445 (Member # 15962) on :
Thanks Steve and Keebler. I exercise quite a bit since I am a lot better overall. Sometimes I think it could be a contributor to the pain.
Its got to be nerve pain because it turns on and off. Tomorrow mid morning it will probably turn off completely. A few days later it will be back and wake me up from a sound sleep.
I went about my day as usual with driving kids here and there, took a walk, and it flared up from dull to severe on and off.
Epsom salt bath, not moving much was yesterday. Strange…. Going to take a heft dose of magnesium right now.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- be careful about a "hefty dose" of magnesium. It needs to be in divided doses, all at once, on large dose can be hard on the kidneys -- and it does not stay in the body all day. That's also way 2-4 x a day is best.
Nerve pain can be a very different thing from the "typical" kind of body pain. It can be due to lyme &/or other causes, too.
Are your shoes supportive? That matters for your entire body, the shoes you wear.
Impingements, myelin sheath stuff . . . if you go for any body work, be sure they are LL. No sudden twisting of the neck or spine. Ever.
If you think your exercise might contribute to your pain - stop. Start all over and assess every aspect of how you position your body. Get input on body mechanics, etc. Again, the quality of your SHOES are the most important tool (and not just for feet).
SOTA LIGHTWORKS - just do a web search. It's very helpful for some hear.
Good luck. -
Posted by Ellen101 (Member # 35432) on :
When I first went to see my LLNP I was having horrible pain. She explained that traditional pain meds, narcotics, as well as NSAIDS will not help the pain from lyme as it is nerve pain.
She prescribed neurontin as well as lidoderm patches. The combo helped alot, although I never used the amount of neurontin she prescribed.
Posted by beaches (Member # 38251) on :
IMO tylenol does nothing. And it's too toxic to take anyway. Ibuprofen is better, but also nephrotoxic.
I avoid both like the plague. I use a heating pad for musculoskeletal pain. PT can be useful too...especially craniosacral therapy. reminding myself I need to get back to that.
Massage therapy and use of a hot tub would also help, if those are available to you.
I think a patch would be a good idea as well, eventhough I've never used one.
In the event when I am in SO much pain I just can't take it (can't sleep, can't move, can't do much of anything) I think a painkiller is in order to get over the hump. Of course, that's not something to do on a regular basis.
Posted by droid1226 (Member # 34930) on :
I agree with Keebler. Berberine.
On the other hand, there's days I take 12 advil cause pain is too much.
Berberine, has so many latent benefits as well. Plus there's many studies that shows it adds potency to some antibiotics/antifungals. But also has interactions and is a bit rough on the liver. So be careful.
Acetaminophen is worthless and hurts my liver.
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
I agree, acetaminophen is useless.
Advil doesn't work for me either, but MOTRIN gel caps do... Not sure why, must be different fillers.
Only take motrin with my encephalitis cocktail of meds.
Otherwise avoid it. Hurts my guts.
Honestly nothing touches the pain in my legs and hips. I try to do my hypnosis pain CD's.
And tell myself to wait out another week before asking for a pain patch.
I also get xylocaine injected in my spine muscles every two weeks. Helps a ton.
Otherwise, I pretend to ignore the pain.
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Yes tried morphine and hydromorphone for encephalitis pain and hip and leg bone pain.
Useless as two teats on a bull.
did nothing for the pain. Just added to the confusion and nausea.
Almost made it worse by being so dizzy and shutdown. Toxic soup. Hated it.
I will never take either of those again/allow them to be given to me.
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