Nerve pain

    • lynn
      May 2, 2016 at 3:15 pm

      Hello everyone,

      I have been dealing with CIDP since 2014. I’m currently getting IVIG treatments monthly, which is keeping me stable. I’m taking about 1,500 mg of Gabapentin but sometimes this doesn’t even help. It’s hard for me to take the Gabapentin during the day because it makes me sleepy and I work during the day. The pain seems to be worse at night when I’m laying down and and I’m no longer able to wear socks at night because they intensify the pain. I was doing some research and came across Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Has anyone taken this vitamin for nerve pain and how did it work for you?

      Thanks!

    • jk
      May 2, 2016 at 7:52 pm

      Yes, I took Alpha Lipoic Acid and many, many other things as well. Dr. Weil, a somewhat reputable medical professional says this “Take one B-100 B-complex vitamin daily. The B vitamins are necessary for normal nerve function, and supplementing is a good preventive measure. Do not take more than 200 mg of B-6, as higher daily doses can actually cause symptoms of neuropathy. Take 100 mg of alpha-lipoic acid daily. This antioxidant protects microcirculation to the nerves. You can gradually increase the dose to 300 mg twice a day over the next month.”

      Dr. Weil makes other suggestions. here: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02717/Neuropathy.html

      some physicians recommend Lyrica (pregabalin) Ask your doctor about being tested for your B-12 levels and if you should take additional supplements.

      Sorry to read about your intense pain. I never did get that, only tingling and burning in my right hand.

    • lynn
      May 2, 2016 at 8:23 pm

      Jk,

      Thank you for your response. The last time I had my B-12 levels checked, they were in the normal range. I think I’m going to definitely give the lipoic acid a try. Is there a specific brand you used? Thanks again!

    • Jim-LA
      May 2, 2016 at 11:51 pm

      I’ve been taking 1200MG per day and it seems to help me. Others have reported a return of minor symptoms when they discontinued it. The symptoms went away when they restarted taking it.

      Not all ALA is alike; I researched it and found the one here that I take:
      http://www.supplementwarehouse.com/viewitem.asp?idproduct=162545

    • lynn
      May 3, 2016 at 8:09 am

      Jim-LA,

      Thank you for your suggestion.

    • GH
      May 12, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      I had serious nerve pain from CIDP and was on oxycodone for a time to treat it, but fortunately was able to get off pain meds altogether when I went into remission. I took alpha-lipoic acid and B12 for a time, but that had nothing to do with pain. The reason one might take those is to promote nerve recovery, but the effectiveness has not been established as far as I know. Neither had any effect on my residual pain.

      I have to take issue with jk’s statement that Dr. Weil is “somewhat reputable.” He is a promoter of so-called “integrative medicine,” formerly known as “complementary and alternative medicine,” derisively referred to by those who believe medicine should be based on science, as “woo.” Here is a link to a Science Blogs item on Dr. Weil:

      http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2011/05/23/dr-andrew-weil-versus-evidence-based-med/