B-6 vitamin danger!
With the assistance of a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, I have almost completely eliminated the uncontrolled muscle spasms now. First and foremost: beware of taking multi-vitamin capsules that have B6 listed. B-6 overdosage (which is contained in every multivitamin I found in stores and on the internet) can cause loss of muscle control and spasms in some people. So can gluten found in many foods so now I am also gluten free. I now work out with a personal trainer 3 days a week and do water aerobics another 2 days. Got off gabapentin and also clonazepam. Using CBD oil capsules each morning (no more opioids or chemicals) and using a CBD topical ointment to rub on my leg muscles each night. He says I don't need him anymore! And I don't. No more shaking or muscle cramps or pain. Still a little numbness but that is receding also.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
One exception is B6.
@johnbishop Around 6 months ago my bloodwork did show my B12 levels to be high. Primary instructed me to cease taking B12. I have done so. Scheduled back for the 6 month senior thing in February. I was not in agreement as it is water soluble. I said nothing at the time and have been compliant even with more pins and needles and fatigue. Other B levels were fine. Guess the primary has a reason. B levels were checked because of fatigue and tingling. Plan to discuss this with the primary or rather the lid of a laptop. Grrrr. See if this one yells at me and slaps the paper on exam table emphasizing doctors are never wrong. Maybe it is because I am too sheepish.
Thanks for your post I just joined and figureing out how to move around the site,I have neuropathy also and been bouncing around for 3 years from dr to dr every blood test and invasive procedures, my B6 is 250.0 with a reference range 2.1-21.7 so yes that is very bad
I had an issue with B-6 as well. I was taking a supplement on the recommendation of a trainer and the amount of B-6 in it was much higher than listed. Even after I got off it, it took months for me to start feeling better. B-6 can be a real problem
Hello @srens65, welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your experience with B6. It sounds like you are doing OK now?
Can I ask what were your problematic symptoms before you started feeling better?
Pain in my left leg, from my hamstring to my toes, dizziness, severe headaches and numbness in my fingers. After my neurologist saw my elevated B-6 level I had a nerve biopsy that showed the Neuropathy. My B-6 levels are better but still have an unexplained higher B-6 level. I still have some times, like just last week, where the Neuropathy just knocks me for a loop.
I just joined today. I’m really confused why I have 106.7 B6 and 1303 B12 levels when I only took the supplements for 3 weeks at 16.7 mg of B6. I have horrible peripheral neuropathy head to toe. Mine started 4 days after my flu vaccine in November 2018. I have seen 3 foot doctors, a neurologist, neurosurgeon, 2 eye doctors because my eye balls burn too, ER 3 times for unexplained pain, cardiologist, MD and naturopath. I’ve had almost every test and extensive blood work. The neurologist told me my symptoms were from the supplement but I find that hard to believe because of the timing. My naturopath is checking my homocysteine and folate to see if I’m actually B deficient. The few things I’ve found that have helped me are compression socks/clothes; cayenne and crushed red pepper does something positive so I can feel instead of just burn(serotonin?) sleep also helps and lastly, I’ve been having night sweats for over a month and each time I do, the next day I feel like I’m getting a bit better. I’m waiting for a spinal tap. I’ve been home bound for 3 months and I walked my dog today. Each step felt like someone playing a wild electrical guitar inside my body. Gabapentin helps for sleep. Can’t believe the horrible sensations yet lack of feeling yet terrible muscle pain with this.
Hi @cokie63, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have no medical training or background but from all that I have read about vitamin B6 it's processed different by your body. High levels can be toxic and cause neuropathy. B12 is different. The body gets rid of what it doesn't need. You are good being your own advocate and learning as much as you can about your condition. I can believe it's from taking a supplement. Have you asked your neurologist/doctor how long it takes for the body to get rid of the excess B6?
Elevated B6 levels and peripheral neuropathies.
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18754531
Did you take CBD alongside the Gabapentin and gradually get off it ? I’m on pregabalin and just staring on CBD so I would be interested to know please .