Supplements - What helps nerve pain and/or neuropathy?

Posted by newzbug @newzbug, Nov 15, 2019

I was diagnosed earlier this year with "Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy" over my whole body, though I am not yet showing symptoms everywhere. I do have numbness in all my toes, feet, a large section of my upper right thigh, large section of the side of my left calf, occasional ... numbness in my hands in the middle of the night. Anyway, my neurologist did suggest Alpha Lipoic Acid (otc supplement) to help with the neuropathy. She said that although studies suggest people who also have diabetes have had some success with taking this (I don't have diabetes), she said I might get some help from it. So, yep, it's been about 8 months I have been taking 600mg/daily and it seems to have helped lessen my feelings of 'burning feet'. I am going to increase my dosage to 800mg when I finish my current bottle. I use a brand that has no additives (colors, flavors, etc). Brand: Best Vitamins. Though I don't have diabetes, and it may be helpful only because I believe in it, that is something.

My husband periodically gives me massage on my ankles, tops of my feet and calves which seems to offer some help with the emptiness feeling on that lower part of my body. I am doing some reading research on any other supplements which could be of help. I try not to think about neuropathy too much, because I have since been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and CTEPH. I stick to reputable sites like the Mayo Clinic and PubMed as well as those of us who have personal experiences. Thanks to everyone here for your help. Maybe someday there will be a definitive cure for this wicked torture.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

ken82 | @ken82 | Dec 23, 2020

In reply to @captphilly777 "I've had great results from taking 600mg of benfetomine. One time in the morning try it..." + (show)

@captphilly777 National Institute of Health has been running a long clinical trial on benfetomine as it relates to Alzheimer's..The study finishes in June 2021..

sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Jan 13, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @robtlhughes, You will notice we moved your post to an existing discussion on supplements in..." + (show)

Hello @robtlhughes, John and others, my Neurologist told me to use the S and R Alpha Lipoic Acid. I found,"Simply Nature's Pure" brand that has both the R and S types in it, on Amazon. I can't really tell if it's working since I have so many types of pain including a variety of burning and stinging pain. I think it's working some. I take 600 mg. daily.

Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower

captphilly777 | @captphilly777 | Jan 13, 2021

In reply to @sunnyflower "Hello @robtlhughes, John and others, my Neurologist told me to use the S and R Alpha..." + (show)

Here's something that I will recommend to you I don't see a lot of it recommended on the internet but it works excellent for me. Go on Amazon and by a good quality Benfotiamine I use a product by Carlisle. Take 600 mg a day at the same time. This has helped my neuropathy in my toes and feet over the last many years. You should have some relief within a day or so but keep taking it let me know how you do if it works pass it on

captphilly777 | @captphilly777 | Jan 13, 2021

In reply to @ken82 "@captphilly777 National Institute of Health has been running a long clinical trial on benfetomine as it..." + (show)

Thank you for that valuable information. I will be interested to see how that works out. I know that they have been coupling benfotiamine with vitamin B12 and rather large doses generally in Europe and have had some pretty good success. A number of years ago I was suffering in my toes in the bottom of my feet behind my toes my brother told me one of the stewardesses on his plane had a problem with it also she used benfotiamine and if she skipped those she really felt it he suggested I try it. I did and I have been on it ever since. Pass on the good word I believe it works! God bless and peace to everyone

captphilly777 | @captphilly777 | Jan 13, 2021

In reply to @razzle50 "wil the ALA mix with other drugs as I take alot already .I am not diabetic..." + (show)

Try 600 mg a day in the morning of benfotiamine. It works for me

bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Jan 14, 2021

In reply to @sunnyflower "Hello @robtlhughes, John and others, my Neurologist told me to use the S and R Alpha..." + (show)

@sunnyflower hi Sunny. Can you send the link to the ALA you buy on Amazon via private message? I am starting Cymbalta today to see if that helps with my neuropathy. Keep your fingers crossed!

hopalongnm3 | @hopalongnm3 | Jan 14, 2021

Thank you! I will definitely try this supplement. What about B vitamins? Any thought?

helennicola | @helennicola | Jan 14, 2021

In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "@sunnyflower hi Sunny. Can you send the link to the ALA you buy on Amazon via..." + (show)

Hi Bstrbrwn, FYI - some of us use stabilized RAla, which is somewhat more costly but supposedly more bioavailable, not the combo, both of which are sold on Amazon. (I originally took the combo and changed over noting a difference in efficacy) I take 300 mg. 3xday and it helps alleviate any pain for me. Helen

ken82 | @ken82 | Jan 14, 2021

@hopalongnm3 Beware of too much B6... However, too much vitamin B-6 also can cause:
A lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia)
Painful, disfiguring skin lesions.
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn and nausea.
Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
Numbness.
Reduced ability to sense pain or extreme temperatures.
17 Oct 2017

Vitamin B-6 - Mayo Clinic