Mexiletine for Neuropathy Pain: Uses, Dosage & Safety

Mexiletine is a generic name for the drug Mexitil. It is typically used to treat an irregular heartbeat that may be life-threatening. It may also be prescribed for patients suffering neuropathy pain, which is caused by nerve damage. Before using Mexiletine, tell your doctor about your preexisting medical conditions, as well as any other medications you are taking.

Dosage

• Taking Mexiletine on a regular basis will provide the most benefit for your neuropathy pain. Only take the dose prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication with food or antacids.

Warnings

• Discuss your caffeine intake with your doctor before using this medication. Mexiletine may interact with other substances and drugs, such as lidocaine, cimetidine and phenobarbital. If you regularly consume large amounts of caffeine, you may need to consider another medication for neuropathy pain.

Considerations

• Before using Mexiletine for neuropathy pain, tell your doctor if you are a vegetarian, as this may affect your usage of the drug. Discuss whether you consume a lot of citrus fruits, vegetables, cranberries, dairy products or meat.

Mild Side Effects

• You may experience some side effects with this medication, including headache, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, light-headedness, shakiness and blurred vision. Keep track of your side effects so you can discuss them with your doctor.

Serious Side Effects

• If you experience serious side effects from Mexiletine, get medical help. These may include chest pain, pain in your upper stomach, jaundice and flu-like symptoms.