Welcome to NeuroTalk:
There are some studies on PubMed showing that acetyl carnitine can help with chemo induced PNs. It is best taken while receiving the chemo, but I'd try it after, as you really have nothing to lose.
Chemo can damage DNA and also the mitochondria in cells. Acetyl Carnitine can enable mitochondria to function better.
Quote:
CNS Drugs. 2007;21 Suppl 1:39-43; discussion 45-6.
Acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a short review.
De Grandis D.
Source
Divisione di Neurologia, Ospedale Civile di Rovigo, Rovigo, Italy. ddegrandis@iol.it
Abstract
Peripheral neurotoxicity is a major complication associated with the use of chemotherapeutic agents such as platinum compounds, taxanes and vinca alkaloids. The neurotoxicity of chemotherapy depends not only on the anticancer agent(s) used, the cumulative dose and the delivery method, but also on the capacity of the nerve to cope with the nerve-damaging process. The sensory and motor symptoms and signs of neurotoxicity are disabling, and have a significant impact on the quality of life of cancer patients. Moreover, the risk of cumulative toxicity may limit the use of highly effective chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, prophylaxis and treatment of peripheral neurotoxicity secondary to chemotherapy are major clinical issues. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), the acetyl ester of L-carnitine, plays an essential role in intermediary metabolism. Some of the properties exhibited by ALC include neuroprotective and neurotrophic actions, antioxidant activity, positive actions on mitochondrial metabolism, and stabilisation of intracellular membranes. ALC has demonstrated efficacy and high tolerability in the treatment of neuropathies of various aetiologies, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). In several experimental settings, the prophylactic administration of ALC prevented the occurrence of peripheral neurotoxicity commonly induced by chemotherapeutic agents. In animal models of CIPN, ALC administration promoted the recovery of nerve conduction velocity, restored the mechanical nociceptive threshold, and induced analgesia by up-regulating the expression of type-2 metabotropic glutamate receptors in dorsal root ganglia. These results, plus the favourable safety profile of ALC in neuropathies of other aetiologies, have led to the effects of ALC on CIPN being investigated in cancer patients. Preliminary results have confirmed the reasonably good tolerability profile and the efficacy of ALC on CIPN. The present studies support the use of ALC in cancer patients with persisting neurotoxicity induced by paclitaxel or cisplatin treatment.
PMID:
17696592
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
|
I would think you would need at least one or 2 grams a day in divided doses. You could start at 500mg a day and increase.
This is another more lengthy article:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430690/
Acetyl carnitine is better absorbed than plain l-carnitine. Because of its limited absorption, taking several smaller doses over the day, may result in better response.
I do think you should report this symptom to your doctor, as some connection to your cancer, or illness may be happening.
People with cancer can develop a neuropathy called paraneoplastic PN.
__________________
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei
************************************
.
Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017
****************************
These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.