The symptoms may start slowly. Some people develop only mild symptoms while others have to contend with serious pain that makes walking difficult. After people stop taking ddC, their peripheral neuropathy will usually go away, but it can take weeks and even months. Also, peripheral neuropathy may continue to get worse for a little while after ddC treatment is stopped. Antidepressants such as Elavil seem to have effect in treating peripheral neuropathy.
Some people also find acupuncture helpful.
Local treatment with a salve or tincture can help symptoms that occur in the mouth. Hoffmann-La Roche, who makes Hivid, has an Assistance Program for people having trouble affording the drug. The Simple Facts Project is a program of The Network. This information does not intend to promote or endorse any specific treatment for any health related condition.