Question:

Updated on
May 17, 2012

Can California poppy help patients with trigeminal neuralgia that are already taking neuropathic pain medications?

I woke up from surgery 2 1/5 years ago with burning newve pain across my trunk, front and back and it hasn't subsided. After extensive neurological testing, the best my doctor could offer was gabapentan to control the pain. We've recently added Cymbalta to stop the recurrance of trigeminal neuralgia. Will California Poppy extract help or do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks, Pat Dolan

Answer:

The short answer to your question is that California poppy may help relieve your pain. Our studies have shown that it can act as an effective complementary medicine.

There is a California poppy product that was developed for physicians. It is called Pavosic (www.pavosic.ca). We do have clinical experience combining California poppy with some pain medications. However, this should be done under the supervision of your health care provider. There is a monograph available for physicians to provide them with detailed clinical information on the California poppy product and the potential interactions with other medications.

I would recommend that you talk to your health care provider and have them contact me by email at gchamberland@curaphyte.ca or by phone at 1-855-449-2224. We can provide them with the clinical information regarding its use in combination with other drugs.

Response by Guy Chamberland M.Sc., Ph.D.

Disclaimer:

Before starting any new health program or before you begin taking any medication, natural medicine, or supplement, always check with your primary health care provider.