Peripheral Neuropathy: Rare cases of sensory or sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy affecting small and/or large axons resulting in paresthesias, hypoesthesias, dysesthesias and weakness have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, ….should be discontinued if the patient experiences symptoms of neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness, or is found to have deficits in light touch, pain, temperature, position sense, vibratory sensation, and/or motor strength in order to prevent the development of an irreversible condition.
There are different diagnoses within Peripheral Neuropathy and different causes. I cannot even begin to cover all of that information here myself, so I have decided to link you to different pages if you would like more information.
"Peripheral Neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, the vast communications network that transmits information from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to every other part of the body. Peripheral nerves also send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord, such as a message that the feet are cold or a finger is burned. Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these vital connections. Because every peripheral nerve has a highly specialized function in a specific part of the body, a wide array of symptoms can occur when nerves are damaged.
Some people may experience temporary numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations (paresthesia), sensitivity to touch, or muscle weakness. Others may suffer more extreme symptoms, including burning pain (especially at night), muscle wasting, paralysis, or organ or gland dysfunction. People may become unable to digest food easily, maintain safe levels of blood pressure, sweat normally, or experience normal sexual function. In the most extreme cases, breathing may become difficult or organ failure may occur." source- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Meds to Avoid with a diagnosis of PN: (From American Academy of Neurology)Fluoroquinolones, Isoniazid (INH), Linezolid (Zyvoxam), Metronidazole (Flagyl), Nitrofurantoin, Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas), Nucleoside Analogs (Zalcitabine ddC), Stavudine (d4T), Didanosine (ddI), Chemotherapies, Amiodarone, Chloramphenicol, chloroquine, Colchicine, Dapsone, Disulfiram, Ethambutol,
I have been left with Peripheral Neuropathy from taking ONE IV dose of Levaquin. It says to stop taking it if those symptoms arise. I took ONE dose! I have most of the symptoms that are listed above, and they continue to worsen daily. It is scary to read that it is irreversible. The way it is stated, it sounds like if you stop in time, you won’t have permanent damage. I TOOK ONE DOSE!
"Peripheral Neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system, the vast communications network that transmits information from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to every other part of the body. Peripheral nerves also send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord, such as a message that the feet are cold or a finger is burned. Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these vital connections. Because every peripheral nerve has a highly specialized function in a specific part of the body, a wide array of symptoms can occur when nerves are damaged.
Some people may experience temporary numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations (paresthesia), sensitivity to touch, or muscle weakness. Others may suffer more extreme symptoms, including burning pain (especially at night), muscle wasting, paralysis, or organ or gland dysfunction. People may become unable to digest food easily, maintain safe levels of blood pressure, sweat normally, or experience normal sexual function. In the most extreme cases, breathing may become difficult or organ failure may occur." source- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Meds to Avoid with a diagnosis of PN: (From American Academy of Neurology)Fluoroquinolones, Isoniazid (INH), Linezolid (Zyvoxam), Metronidazole (Flagyl), Nitrofurantoin, Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas), Nucleoside Analogs (Zalcitabine ddC), Stavudine (d4T), Didanosine (ddI), Chemotherapies, Amiodarone, Chloramphenicol, chloroquine, Colchicine, Dapsone, Disulfiram, Ethambutol,
Small Fiber Neuropathy:
What is Myelin?
American Family Physicians- differences between Small Fiber and Large Fiber Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy: When Numbness, Weakness and Pain Won't Stop Book published by the American Academy of Neurology~ It has a very short paragraph that acknowledges that Fluoroquinolones can cause this type of damage. It is a very well written informational book, and has personal accounts at the end.
Articles:
Neurology Now: Exercise for Peripheral Neuropathy
Autonomic Neuropathy
Hereditary Neuropathy Unmasked by Levaquin
Neuropathy Association
Support for Neuropathy
Our Neuropathy Friends
Other PN Groups:
Daily Strength: Neuropathy Group
NeuroTalk: Peripheral Neuropathy
Drugs.com: PN Support Group
MD Junction: Peripheral Neuropathy
American Family Physicians- differences between Small Fiber and Large Fiber Neuropathy
Publications:
Neurology Now This is an excellent magazine that I have received for years because of my daughter's epilepsy. However, it can be accessed online and covers all neurological disorders. Peripheral Neuropathy: When Numbness, Weakness and Pain Won't Stop Book published by the American Academy of Neurology~ It has a very short paragraph that acknowledges that Fluoroquinolones can cause this type of damage. It is a very well written informational book, and has personal accounts at the end.
Articles:
Neurology Now: Exercise for Peripheral Neuropathy
Autonomic Neuropathy
Hereditary Neuropathy Unmasked by Levaquin
Facebook PN Groups:
Foundation for PN Neuropathy Association
Support for Neuropathy
Our Neuropathy Friends
Other PN Groups:
Daily Strength: Neuropathy Group
NeuroTalk: Peripheral Neuropathy
Drugs.com: PN Support Group
MD Junction: Peripheral Neuropathy
Other PN Blogs:
