I was on a site for TN called Stop Pain and reading all the pain things one could use. One ointment was Capsaicin and said that there are some studies that show it does work. I am wondering if someone has tried it. I understand there is a "burning" sensation when you put it on. I am just wondering if it is something we can really put on the face?
I have some that I've been meaning to try -- I'm going to put mine in my stent and apply it to my gums. I'm afraid of the burning because benzocaine gives me a slight burning feelings. My doctor said that I will get used to the burning feeling after I've tried it a few times. The real reason I haven't tried the Capsaicin yet is because I've been sick with a cold/flu, and I want to wait until I get over that.
It's over the counter and easy to find. I'm going to make my partner put some on his gums first to test the burning quality. He's sweet like that. Although the benozcaine doesn't burn him at all, so I just might be sensitive...
The active ingredient in Capsaisin is the same that gives hot chili peppers their bite. It can be helpful for some people, particularly with Anesthesia Dolorosa. But you may want to be careful about how much you use on a first dose.
Regards, Red
I have been prescribed Capsaicin cream but have not used it yet. My pain management Dr. said that I will need to aspply the cream up to 4 times per day every day and if I miss one the effect may be lost. Here is how he explained the way it works to me.
How Does it Work?
Researchers have found that capsaicin appears to work by "reducing substance P which is found at nerve endings and is involved in transmitting the pain signal to the brain." Clinical studies are emerging which indicate capsaicin cream is more effective than placebos in treating post-surgical neuropathic pain. However, for TN, ATN, and ATFP, this treatment should presently be considered "under investigation" or "experimental."
For a more in-depth medical description of the uses of capsaicin in treating oral pain, please select: Capsaicin Use for Oral Pain which has references to several medical journals. One important observation from the article concludes that:
If capsaicin is reapplied after the burning sensation from a previous application has stopped, desensitization (less sensitivity to pain) occurs. However, if capsaicin is reapplied before the burning sensation is gone, sensitization (more sensitivity to pain) might occur.
It appears that capsaicin works by elevating the threshold for pain (the level when pain is first felt) in the area where it's applied. The pain threshold can be further elevated by gradually increasing the capsaicin concentration in a series of repeated applications.
I hope this helps and you find some relief. Remember that faith and hope are good things, maybe the best things.
Gary
Yes, over a year ago. It really didn't do anything but irritate my skin. I had high hopes. But, some say it works, and I'm of the mind, try everything safe before surgery or meds you may not need.
Good luck!
like posted above, capsaicin comes from chili peppers. Chili peppers also kill some bacteria & viruses, & are an antiinflammatory. You can probably buy it cheaper & stronger at a health food store than a prescription. I would be worried too about it initially causing burning pain. If U can't do it, try it sublingually, maybe that will work. A $6. lg jar of coconut oil found at wal mart & other grocery stores, helped stop my husband's TN pain in a half hr when applied to teeth & gums. it is also anti inflammatory, anti fungal, antibacterial &antiviral & can also be taken sublingually & doesn't burn. He also eats a low carb diet, (he's diabetic), which reduces nerve inflammation. Hot chili peppers(capsaicin) cured my strep throat instantly when I chewed & ate them, but I wouldn't reccommend that for anyone with TN, my pain was UNBELIEVABLE for a few minutes.
I am actually sitting here with a Capsaicin patch on my face (I look like a dork!) and I am here to tell you, it's WORKING! I tried it last week on my back, we were on a 50hr+ road trip and that not only killed my back but REALLY cranked up my TN. I for the first time, used a patch I bought at the local Walmart which happened to be their brand of Capsaicin patch. HOLY HELL did it work on my back! Pain was gone within a minute! So, my TN has been giving me fits this week and I'm at my wits end. I go to the store and find the patch. I had mentioned to my daughter (as I'm bitching about my TN all friggin morning) that I wonder how the patch would be on my face? We head to the local Walmart and find the patch and that's when I come to realize it's a Capsaicin patch and I see they have it in may different forms.
I have then, sitting here have decided it HAS helped my TN pain and thought I'd google it. Low and behold where does it bring me? RIGHT BACK HERE TO THE BLOG I WAS JUST ON! YAY!
I am going to go get me the roll on kind Capsaicin and see if it works as good as this patch. I hate having this thing stuck to my face. But the second I took it off, the pain came back so I am convinced it's helping! WOOP WOOP! OHH HAPPY DAY! =))
I've tried it and taken the pills too, I think it does help a little, and anything that helps is a-ok with me!
Hi, I was prescribed the cream initially 0.25 % and then after 4 weeks 0.75. 4 times a day . I just had to be very careful not to get it too close to my eye. The dr recommended either wearing gloves when applying it on my face or using a tissue to apply. I am unsure how your mouth would react to it as I did get it in my eye . It was horrible my eye felt like I had a red hot poker in it and it would not stop flooding with water . My eye was so swollen and inflamed for two days and it was only due to me wiping my eye as it was watering .
So unsure what it will be like if this cream is applied to any mucus membrane like gums or mouth . Please. Be careful. Here in the uk it has to be prescribed by a gp. Hope that helps
Have you had any success?
Foxy said:
Hi, I was prescribed the cream initially 0.25 % and then after 4 weeks 0.75. 4 times a day . I just had to be very careful not to get it too close to my eye. The dr recommended either wearing gloves when applying it on my face or using a tissue to apply. I am unsure how your mouth would react to it as I did get it in my eye . It was horrible my eye felt like I had a red hot poker in it and it would not stop flooding with water . My eye was so swollen and inflamed for two days and it was only due to me wiping my eye as it was watering .
So unsure what it will be like if this cream is applied to any mucus membrane like gums or mouth . Please. Be careful. Here in the uk it has to be prescribed by a gp. Hope that helps
You can put capcasin / spell right --- in the search box above --- hundreds of hits I'm guessing!
Tried this a very long time ago and I could not get over the burning pain. Seems my face is ultra sensitive now.
Another option my doc suggested was a compounding cream of ketomine, gaba, benzo, lidocaine, and one other item. The compounding pharmacies I used up here are Loyyd's pharmacy and an animal compounding pharmacy in Hillsboro, I think. They were much less expensive than Loyyd's, and while they did manage scripts for animals, they have a large human clientele as well!! My doc suggested TPS compounding a few states away who does mail order. It is the only one on our insurance, so it is less out of pocket for us, but their prices where lower as well. Let me know if you'd like their contact info and I'll send it privately. Hope you're feeling better soon. It's taken many hours today with the heating pad to calm this nerve down. Some days are rough, some are a little easier :-)
Take Care,
Lynda
I tried it and it burned like hell! lol It really didn't help to be honest
You get used to it and it doesn't burn as much after a few applications. It's kind of like how some people can tolerate really spicy food while others can't -- it's just because some people eat spicy food all the time so it affects them differently.