Mexiletine is an oral medication used to treat irregularity of heartbeats. This anti-arrhythmic agent has a structure that is not unlike lidocaine, but is orally active. Mexiletine can also be taken to relieve chronic nerve pain. Mexiletine adheres to the peripheral nerves and thus reduces pain signals carried from the peripheral nerves to the central nervous system and the brain, in this way reducing the feeling of pain. As the Mexiletine bonds to the peripheral nerves over time, the pain slowly diminishes.

Some side-effects while mild should be reported immediately to a doctor, though medication may be continued;

• Rash
• Depression
• Weakness
• Numbness or tingling
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Reduced coordination
• Constipation or diarrhea

However, if the following symptoms should occur, medication should be immediately halted and the patients should seek emergency medical attention;

• Unusual bruising
• Bleeding
• Fever
• Sore mouth or sore throat
• Wheezing or coughing
• Chest pains or discomfort
• Mouth ulcers or infection
• Irregular heartbeats
• Any type of allergic reaction

Mexiletine should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Medications of this type should be taken along side food or an anti-acid, so as to counter-act stomach upsets. Certain side-effects may occur as a result of the medication.