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Autonomic Neuropathy - Treatment

Treatment For Autonomic Neuropathy

The treatment of autonomic neuropathy includes the following:

Treating the underlying disease - The initial goal in treating autonomic neuropathy is to manage the disease or condition which is damaging the nerves.  In some cases, treating the underlying disease can stop autonomic neuropathy from progressing and the damaged nerves can even repair themselves or regenerate.

Managing specific symptoms - Some treatments can relieve the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy.  Treatment bases on which organ system is most affected by the nerve damage.

Gastrointestinal symptoms
The doctor may recommend:

  • Modifiying the diet - could include increasing the amount of fiber and fluids intake.
  • Metoclopramide - prescription drug which helps the stomach empty more rapidly by increasing contractions of digestive tract
  • Medications to ease constipation - over the counter laxatives can help ease constipation
  • Antidepressants - certain antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants can help treat diarrhea and abdominal pain

Urinary symptoms
The doctor may suggest:

Retraining the bladder - following a schedule of when to drink fluids and when to urinate may help increase the bladder's capacity and retrain the bladder to empty completely
Bethanechol - medication which helps facilitate complete emptying of the bladder
Intermittent urinary catheterization - threading a tube through the urethra to empty the bladder
Medications which decrease overactive bladder - such as tolterodine (Detrol) or oxybutynin (Ditropan)

Sexual dysfunction
The doctor may prescribe:

MEN

  • Medications that enable erections - such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra
  • An external vacuum pump - device which helps pull blood into the penis using a hand pump.

WOMEN

  • Vaginal lubricants - for vaginal dryness, lubricants can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and enjoyable

Heart rhythm and blood pressure symptoms
The doctor may prescribe:

  • Fludrocortisone actete (Florinel) - for feelings of dizziness or fainting when standing up, helps retain salt
  • Midodrine or pyridostigmine - can raise blood pressure if dizziness or fainting occur when standing up
  • Beta blockers - helps regulate heart rate
  • A high salt, high fluid diet - might help maintain blood pressure

Sweating
The doctor may prescribe:

  • Medication which decreases perspiration - a drug glycopyrrolate (Robinul) can decrease sweating

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