What is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is most commonly used to eliminate pain related to medical and dental surgical procedures. In 1962, a study was published showing that it helped alleviate pain in the body when given by intravenous (IV) infusion.  Since then, IV lidocaine has become an important tool in chronic pain clinics around the world.

Dozens of studies have shown that IV lidocaine is effective in many different chronic pain conditions, providing relief from pain that can be long-lasting. At the Seekers Centre, the infusion is made more effective by adding magnesium and vitamin B12, which reduce muscle spasms and improve nerve function.  The infusions are administered every 1-2 weeks, and lead to improved function, reduced pain and faster recovery after stress and physical exercise. This allows patients to reduce medication use and increase activity at work and home.

 

Patients suffering from chronic, unrelenting pain will often get relief from Xylocaine (Lidocaine) intravenous infusions. Lidocaine is a safe and effective therapy to augment your existing overall pain management program. It is not intended to replace medication, but it can help lower overall feelings of pain without needing higher doses of medications. Some patients can actually reduce some of their medication doses with this procedure.

Lidocaine infusion is effective for a wide variety of painful conditions. It is particularly helpful when a person is suffering from multiple pain areas, as well as fibromyalgia (especially during times of pain flaring).

What to do before and on the day of infusion:

  • Drink plenty of fluids the day before and the day of your infusion.
  • Avoid caffeinated beverages, this makes the IV more difficult.
  • Eat normally.
  • Remove any nail polish you may have on your finger nails.
  • Talk all your regularly prescribed medications as usual; there are no known interactions between lidocaine and other medications.
  • Ensure you have a driver to escort you from your appointment as most patients experience side effects of tiredness/drowsiness following their infusion.
  • Allow for extra time on your first appointment as we will need to monitor your bodies reaction to the lidocaine.

 

What to Bring to Your Appointment:

  • A personal music player with headphones, if you’d like.
  • A blanket, if you’d like (although one can be provided for you).
  • Glasses, if you need them to read. You will be required to sign a consent form before every infusion.

 

What to Wear:

  • Clean, comfortable, loose fitting clothes. We ask that you wearing a shift the exposes the upper arm, or allows easy access to it.
  • Please do not wear jewelery such as rings and bracelets.
  • Many of our patients have chemical sensitivities, so we request that you do not wear perfume or cologne.

This painless , physician-supervised procedure is offered at our clinic. The infusion, including any tests that must be done before or after, will take up to 2 hours.

Most patients relax or sleep while the infusion is occurring. You may bring your own music (with earphones) to listen to while having the infusion. Our staff will happily provide you with water, herbal tea and blankets to ensure the most comfortable experience possible. Most patients experience sedation or tiredness immediately after their infusion, so we require you to have someone reliable to accompany you home afterwards. You cannot drive yourself

 

What to do After Your Appointment

Rest. Plan to relax for the rest of the day, and if possible, for the next day as well.

If you have any questions regarding lidocaine intravenous infusions for chronic pain, contact us at (613) 727-7246 or info@seekerscentre.com. Our team will be happy to provide you with information, answer your questions, and help get you started on your healing journey.