Barbara
First your friend needs to know why she has polyneuropathy. Does she have any type of diagnosis? The importance is to know that this is not going to be something that progresses. I have neuropathy from vasculitis and have been given Elavil (the anti-depressant) for the nerve pain. It does help. I know of others who take Neurontin. In my case, my nerve pain doesn't go away completely, but it is significantly reduced and very manageable. I hope that helps.