Medications for walking difficulty and numbness caused by spinal stenosis
Opalmon and Tarlige are both prescribed mainly for lumbar spinal stenosis, but they work in completely different ways.
Opalmon improves blood flow and helps with numbness that comes on while walking.
Tarlige directly blocks nerve pain and works well for tingling, electric-shock-like pain.
Your doctor may choose one based on your symptoms, or use both together.
The right drug depends on whether numbness appears while walking or persists even at rest
Opalmon is the first choice for intermittent claudication (numbness when walking that eases with rest)
Tarlige works well for tingling, electric-shock-like, or burning pain
If symptoms improve, continue; if not, your doctor may change or add medication
Opalmon improves blood flow, while Tarlige suppresses nerve pain -- each has its own strength. Effectiveness is evaluated after 2 to 4 weeks; if improvement is seen, the dose is adjusted; if not, other treatments are considered. Combining medication with rehabilitation is considered an effective approach.
Tarlige and Lyrica (pregabalin) cannot be used at the same time.
Tarlige and Lyrica work in a similar way, so they cannot be combined. Only one can be used at a time. Like Tarlige, Lyrica (pregabalin) can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and even loss of consciousness, so do not drive while taking it. Also, when stopping Tarlige, do not quit suddenly -- the dose must be reduced gradually. Patients with reduced kidney function may need a dose adjustment. Always follow your doctor's instructions.