How Can Lidocaine Patches Help You With Your Fibromyalgia Problems?
Fibromyalgia is a very unpleasant condition, marked by chronic pain that gets stronger when you apply pressure.
Unfortunately, the bad news doesn’t end there – fibromyalgia is also characterized by fatigue, insomnia, and a number of other issues.
In fact, even if these problems are not too severe, they can lead to a number of other problems like anxiety, PTST, and depression.
Although we know about this condition much more than it was the case a couple of decades ago, the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown.
Experts on the subject suggest that the reason why this disease affects people is the combination of two factors – environment and genetics.
Whatever the reason may be, fibromyalgia is a serious issue that needs to be treated properly. The treatment starts with a proper diagnosis, so you need to be sure if you’re affected by this disease.
Signs That You Might Have Fibromyalgia
Deep muscle pain is the most common symptom of this condition. In many cases, it is accompanied by morning stiffness and pain in tender points.
Apart from physical problems, fibromyalgia can be the cause of a number of psychological issues, including anxiety, fatigue and insomnia.
Also, a common symptom of fibromyalgia is the memory problem. The so-called “fibro fog” happens often, affecting people’s memory and focus.
Here is a list of health issues that are signs that you might have fibromyalgia:
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Frequent headaches
- Numbness in limbs
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Remember, most of these problems are directly influenced by the pain. Your body reacts to it, which is what’s causing a number of other issues.
So, in order to get rid of those problems, first you need to tackle the muscle pain! You can do that by using lidocaine patches.
Can Lidocaine Patches Help You Ease the Pain?
Lidocaine is a medicine that is used for numbing tissue in a certain part of the body.
This substance has such significance in modern-day medicine that the World Health Organization has added it to the list of essential medicines every hospital needs to have.
Lidocaine is used for a huge variety of problems, one of which is easing the pain caused by fibromyalgia.
Lidocaine is often used either by injecting it into the tissue or applying it onto the skin. Although, it will start working faster when injected, this way of applying lidocaine has its bad sides.
The most important is that it may cause a number of side effects, from muscle twitching, numbness, tingling, to vomiting and changes in vision.
That is why it is recommended to be used on the skin for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.
Instead of applying lidocaine on your skin and risking numbing tissues that you didn’t plan, it is better to use specially designed patches.
Licodaine patches are easy to use and contain the optimum amount of the substance to ease your fibromyalgia pain, without affecting your movement.
How to Use Lidocaine Patches?
You must be careful about where you apply the lidocaine patch. Be cautious not to place it onto damaged skin as it can cause further irritation.
If the skin is inflamed, damaged or broken, you must not use lidocaine patch on it! If you feel an irritation once the patch is applied, take it off immediately.
A single patch will be effective for 12 hours straight, after which you need to take it off. Make sure another 12 hours pass before you apply another lidocaine patch onto the same spot.
You need to be careful when taking off the patch as it needs to be disposed carefully.
You must make sure children or pets do not get in contact with it, but also to be careful not to spread the substance on other areas of your body.
That is why it is of utmost importance to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the patches.
Warnings and Side Effects
Before you start using lidocaine patches, you need to make sure you are not allergic to the substance.
You shouldn’t use this substance if you are already using a medicine that works as an anesthetic. Also, refrain from using them if you are breast-feeding or pregnant.
If you have problems with kidneys, liver or heart, make sure to consult your physician to see if lidocaine patches are safe for you.
The same goes if you have ever had severe allergic reactions to a medicine. Although they are not common, side effects can occur when using lidocaine patches.
Make sure to take them off wash thoroughly the area on the skin at which it was applied to, if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Intolerable thirst
- Fast pulse
- Swelling of the limbs
- Itching and skin rash
Reviews of Lidocaine Patches
According to those who use lidocaine patches, this treatment can help a lot with fibromyalgia.
Most patients agree that the best effects are produced when thin 5% patches are used. Usually, each patch contains about 700mg of lidocaine.
Such patches should keep the pain at bay for 12 hours straight. Some of the most popular patches include those made by Endo and Watson.
If you decide on patches of these two brands you can expect the pain to go away some 10-20 minutes applying them. At least, that is what the most users are claiming about these products.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is an annoying condition that can lead to severe problems both physical and mental. A good news, however, is that you can reduce the pain caused by it.
The substance called lidocaine is your biggest ally in the battle with fibromyalgia. But, you need to know how to use this medicine!
As lidocaine can cause certain side effects, it is recommended to use it in the form of patches.
This way, you will treat only the tissue that is hurting you, without numbing other parts of the body. On top of that, you will be able to remove the patch if it starts feeling uncomfortable.
There have been nights when the pain was so bad in my hips and lower back that sleep was only possible by applying patches, but try to get them! They are only prescribed for shingles and most insurance will not pay for it without prior authorization. Good luck with that if your pain doctor is anything like mine!
They sell them over the counter now at Walgreens and CVS
Where can you buy these patches
You can get them off the doctor they are very good I use them on my really bad day
I am on these patches there fab.really have helped to relieve the pain along with all the other medications I’m on…..
Certainly wouldn’t want to be without them 🤔😢😕
Do they only work at the site of application or enter the blood stream & be effective for the whole body.
I have tried these patches on several occasions (I keep hoping one day it might help) and have not had any relief. A warm blanket works better for me than those patches
I’ve used those patches in the past. They don’t work for me. It’s great if they work for others. I don’t just have fibromyalgia, I also have the following diagnosis of; Rheumatoid Arthritis, OsteoArthritis of my knees, Ankles, and shoulders, Degenerative Disc Disease, my left foot is completely which was caused by a “pain doctor” that was not allowed to write meds, but after an injection he did my big toe went numb and now it’s my entire left foot. It’s not part of the pre-diabetes, I get migraines, tension headaches, insomnia (I’ve been awake since monday.) I have had something called Petella-femoral tracking disorder, which is where my knees pop, click and cause severe pain because my kneecaps doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do, instead it tracks in all kinds of directions. No cartilage left and thus it’s bone on bone and recently the knees have been buckling a lot. I’ve fallen frequently including off the edge of our bed and down our steps. I visit to a new Orthopaedic Surgeon, he tells me that I have something called Petella-femoral tracking pain disorder which is because my knees are so bad so they need the metal hinged braces, one on both knees and he said I need aquatic therapy but there’s no place in my county that offers that, so my insurance is just dragging it’s feet about approving a place in another County. He also told me that he doesn’t like to treat fat people. So he made suggestions for my primary care doctor but then he dismissed me. He definitely won’t be getting anymore referrals from my doctors office.
There’s more but I’m still awake,, it’s day 3. I’m going to be on a free (only paid 4.95 for shipping) trial of AvinolPM. It’s an ALL NATURAL sleep aid… it will be here tomorrow which is good cause I can refill my Insomnia meds till 1st.
I’m developing a migraine.
I have a prescription and I cut them so I can cover more areas. My copay is only $5. If you can get a prescription from your dr. I highly recommend them. Make sure you follow directions and use no more than 3 a day and remember 12 hours on 12 hours off.
Who gave you a rx??
My dr. gave me a rx, but I was rejected 3x
Very frustrating, b/c they work for me,
I use these patches on a regular basis . Just need to add that you can only wear 3 maximum at any one time .
They are excellent for neck pain , lower back pain.
Prescribed Lidocaine patches (not OTC) are a wonderful help with my FM, but sometimes NOTHING works! Unfortunately the NHS here in Wales will soon stop prescribing them for pain. I am allergic to or have “adverse reactions” to all opiates and other pain meds. just don’t work. Once again, I’m screwed.
I also have found that rx oatches are the best, however 5% patches are not available anymore unless you’re a diabetic. It’s time someone did something about this issue. OTC ones don’t help as well as the rx ones and they don’t stay in place as well either.
My GP won’t prescribe them at all