Alternate drug to diclofenac?

[nabob]

My father has been given these tablets to help with degenerative back pain but didn't react well to them. (double vision and feeling sick) Can anyone recommend what he should ask the doc for that doesn't have such drastic side effects?

[Buenchico]

Prescribing painkillers is always rather a hit and miss affair. Your father's doctor will have his own preferences (and your father should be guided by him) but it's likely that he'll suggest something like naproxen.

Chris

[nabob]

Many thanks, something to go on.

[Belayka]

Diclofenac (in variant doses) is a strong anti inflammatory and pain relieving drug that will relax the affected muscles and provide relief in that respect, however, does come with side effects! Nausea probably effects around 1/10 people but will vary in degrees of nausea. What concerns me is the double vision, are you sure he's not just dizzy as double vision isn't typical of diclofenac as a side effect.. Diclofenac through over the counter drugs will not be as potent, but obviously his GP deemed it necessary to prescribe it in its generic form. If your father is having trouble sleeping, request your father be prescribed with a short course of diazapam or amitryptiline. These drugs are anti depressants but are frequently used to treat muscle conditions and to induce sleep.

[Mamyalynne]

Belayka whilst it is admirable that you are sharing your wonderful textbook knowledge, I feel it fair to point out that you have not asked any relevant questions.
Does the patient suffer from any other illnesses or disorders, are they on any other medications that could be interacting etc.
Amitripyline is indeed a useful drug, but causes many side effects of it's own

nabob be guided by your Fathers GP and his knowledge of his history.

[Sqad]

nabob....as described by others Diclofenac is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory and although it has side effects, like Belayka, I have never seen double vision recorded, but that isn´t to say that it couldn`t.

Discuss this with your GP and perhaps suggest Ibuprofen 600mgms.

[Sqad]

Belayka....read the post....there is nothing to suggest that the questioner has any problems sleeping.

P.S Welcome aboard B&S

[nabob]

Many thanks all.

[Belayka]

If back pain is abundant and diclofenac is causing such side effects. I appreciate my lack of alternative illness questioning but bear in mind that sleeplessness is a symptom of back pain itself. Meant for alternative pain relief, amitriptyline was merely a medication suggestion. mamyalynne is correct in saying that such drugs have a wide array of side effects, but generally it is known for its mild side effects in most patients in most cases. Not only will it provide temporary relief for the muscle spasms but for the sleeplessness as well. Nabob, has your father had blood tests to ascertain the cause of the pain and/or for muscle function purposes?

[nabob]

The back pain is waking him up and keeping him awake. He has arthritis and recent xrays show degeneration of the sacral bones.

[McMouse]

I suffer from sporadic and very painful gout. Diclofenac provides almost immediate relief and the side effect of upset stomach is settled by Omeprazole.

[gingejbee]

Having had diclofenac prescribed for my back pain for several months prior to surgery, after some trial and error, I found that taking 1 x 100mg. slow-release pill every day (actually every 20 hours) was much better re side-effects than 3 x 50mg. every 24 hours.