Does any neurologist prescribe Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Posted by bigjohnscho @bigjohnscho, Sep 25 5:13am

R-ALA features very heavily on this forum as a potential remedy for peripheral neuropathy. Does any Neurologist actually prescribe it.

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pamela9 | @pamela9 | Dec 7 12:18pm

In reply to @bigjohnscho "What reaction have members had from their GP’s and Neurologists to the use of Alpha Lipoic..." + (show)

My new neurologist "prescribed" it for my SFN pain.
I am surprised that it has helped reduce some of the more intense lower leg pain.

bigjohnscho | @bigjohnscho | Dec 7 12:34pm

In reply to @bigjohnscho "What reaction have members had from their GP’s and Neurologists to the use of Alpha Lipoic..." + (show)

Can I ask what dose your on

tomkofathensga | @tomkofathensga | Dec 7 1:23pm

In reply to @bigjohnscho "What reaction have members had from their GP’s and Neurologists to the use of Alpha Lipoic..." + (show)

My GP just said "It Couldn't Hurt"

bigjohnscho | @bigjohnscho | Dec 8 6:29am

In reply to @bigjohnscho "What reaction have members had from their GP’s and Neurologists to the use of Alpha Lipoic..." + (show)

I took my first capsule of ALA 200mg and it gave me stomach upset, does the stomach get used to it if I continue

delia74 | @delia74 | Dec 8 6:48am

In reply to @bigjohnscho "I took my first capsule of ALA 200mg and it gave me stomach upset, does the..." + (show)

What other elements are within that capsule, and what is the shell made of? I always read labels of whatever supplement I want to include in my health regimen, do the same with my husband's. But yes, ALA can cause stomach issues for some people (although regular ALA was fine for both of us). There are other caveats. I recently went from regular ALA to R ALA, and after experiencing horrible insomnia, realized that the new form of ALA could well be the culprit. Researched it and yes, some individuals can experience what I had for several nights in a row. I was miserable, but that had been the only NEW thing in my daily supplement intake, so I discontinued taking it immediately. My sleep pattern has improved, and I'm happy when I can get at least 4 to 5 hours straight of restorative sleep. (I've had sleep issues for years, due to various factors including fibromyalgia and advance MS). It's been over 8 days since I discontinued the R form of ALA (which I had read that R ALA is a more effective form of ALA, but what value is it to me if it destroys my sleep??!!).

Please google ALA and read about what potential side effects it can have. Then decide if it's worth it to you or not. Perhaps would help to take the supplement after a meal, to "buffer" the effect of nausea.
Best of luck.

crossette | @crossette | Dec 8 1:44pm

In reply to @bigjohnscho "What reaction have members had from their GP’s and Neurologists to the use of Alpha Lipoic..." + (show)

My neuropathy is actually Radiclopathy and ALA did not seem to help much at all with the typical symptoms. People with foot neuropathy should try it because (as you can see from above notes) everyone respods differently to it. The original paper on this and neuropathy was a German paper back about 20 years ago.

bfort | @bfort | Dec 8 10:55pm

My neurologist actually recommended 600 mg daily several years ago. I'm not sure if it's working until I run out, then I know it does because the pain is worse.

paulbse | @paulbse | Dec 9 12:23pm

In reply to @tomkofathensga "My GP just said "It Couldn't Hurt"" + (show)

That's what mine said too.

tomkofathensga | @tomkofathensga | Dec 9 1:47pm

In reply to @paulbse "That's what mine said too." + (show)

For over fifty years, I have had only one GP research and recommend supplements. One said "supplements are your problem. Stop them all!" I am beginning to believe that the insurance companies are afraid that they might need to pay for them.