Medication linked to Peripheral Neuropathy

I think it's always good to be aware of possible side effects and discuss them with your doctor. I've had similar concerns with statins but worked with my doctor to avoid needing them. There are quite a few related discussions on neuropathy caused by medications if you want to scan through them while you wait for members with experience with the medications you mentioned to respond - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=neuropathy+caused+by+medications.

Google Scholar might be a useful tool for finding medical research on each specific drug. Here are a couple of searches:
-- neuropathy caused by Sotalol: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C24&as_ylo=2025&q=neuropathy+caused+by+Sotalol&btnG=
-- neuropathy caused by Finasteride: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C24&as_ylo=2025&q=neuropathy+caused+by+Finasteride+&btnG=

My neurologist advised me to stop taking B6….only if it’s a small amount in a multivitamin.

@bigjohnscho
I have used sertraline off and on over the years for anxiety/depression/panic attacks and was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy in 2017. It could be caused by medications because they can be toxins to the body. I have also heard about the Epstein Barr virus being tied to neuropathy/autoimmune issues. The Covid shots and infection are also tied to nervous system issues.

I took rhythmol for 15 yrs prior to being diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Had to change to multaq because rythmol became non- conducive to me. These medications are for my afib. There was no indication that these medications have anything to do with my neuropathy. With this being said, I am on a program with stem-cell injections along with red-light therapy plus electrical applications. (30 min. Sessions). I have been given also high powered drinks to reduce inflammation. Would be curious if anyone has tried such a program. Everything is geared on a 90 day period.

Bob

Thanks, bigjohnscho (@bigjohnsch), for starting this topic. I know it's been discussed before in various different ways with different precription meds listed as the possible "suspects."

Since my PN diagnosis in 2022 and a septic infection only last year, I've had reason to see a host of different specialist, each specialist (it seems) adding some new prescription to the Mulligan stew of prescription I'm already taking. A few months ago I worked with my PCP to pare down the list. She and I (with buy-in from the prescrobing specialists) got my list down to only four:

Losartan
Atorvastatin
Tamsulosin
EB-N5*

*EB-N5 is a "medical food," more like a saddlebag
made up of a half-dozen vitamins and minerals.

My PN is idiopathic large-fiber polyneuropathy. I have no pain but lots of balance issues.

A few days my neurologist, who prescribed the EB-N5, asked if I was willing to switch to EB-N8, another medicinal food. I told him I was game, but only moments ago the manufacturer phoned to okay the prescription. I asked what it's for, and the pharmacist told me it was for "muscle spasms," a symptom I don't have, not even close. I'm waiting now for a callback from my neurologist.

Again, bigjohnscho, thank you for posting this topic. I may not have answers, but I sure am looking forward to what other Connecters might have to say about assorted prescription meds and untoward side effects, especially as they may relate to PN.

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)

Hello,
Any and all medications can have a negative effect on the nervous system and resut in bad conditions. No one in the medical field undertands the full range of all side effects of medications since our bodies react differently from one person to another.
Back in February of this year, my primiray doctor told me to stop all medications including cholesterol and supplements except for my blood pressure medication. Statins for cholesterol are being relooked at by the medical field because their long term usae can cause PN. I am now only on a new medication for PN, blood pressure medication, and 3 supplements: alpha lipoic acid, B-100 B complex, and CO Q10.
Take care and have a serene day,
gus

I also take Losartan and have pn. Also I've been readinng on statins causing it which I also take.

I have been on Losartan for BP for decades. I also have PN. This is the first I’ve heard of a link between Losartan and PN. Yikes!

Has anybody tried stem cell injections or IV with stem cells? I’m thinking about trying them and I’m hoping for success.
Thanks
Debbie

I'm not sure stem cell treatment is there yet but there is some hope for the future. Not sure I would trust any of the small clinics that do it. Lots of member comments and a few discussions on the topic if you want to scan through and read what others have shared - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=stem%20cell%20treatment%20+neuropathy/