Ask the doctor: What to take for shingles pain
I've been diagnosed with shingles. Is there anything I can take for the pain?The reason that the recommendation is made only for people over age 50 is that this is the age group most often affected by shingles, and most of the studies of antiviral treatments have been conducted in that age group. Still, if a patient younger than 50 is having lots of discomfort from shingles that began in the last three days, I will often prescribe antiviral therapy. If the antiviral medicine is not giving enough pain relief, pain medicines can be added. Doctors start with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, and if necessary will then add more potent pain medicines.
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