I have motor neuropathy in my legs and feet, and take gabapentin to control the cramps and fasciculations.

After 7 weeks of theraputic exercise, my calf muscles are much stronger and I am gaining some control over the cramps. So I am very slowly tapering my gabapentin dosage.

My question is about l-theanine, ALA, and R-lipoic acid.

I've read a lot of the posts here about these supplements and how they help PN, but I don't experience much in the way of sensory neuropathy. Only minor burning in my feet, and I can usually control it by wearing different shoes and socks, or switching to sandals.

My question is, what do these drugs do? And would they help in allowing me to taper gabapentin -- maybe even get off the drug?

Thanks.

The recommendations for theanine here are new for PN.
For myself I find it lowers my blood sugars, possibly by reducing cortisol response, and it is calming for stress/anxiety.
I am have tons of stress with our sick kittie for example. Theanine is supposed to help with GABA receptors as well.
This site I found is interesting:
http://web-us.com/l-theanine_anxiety_reducer.htm

Lipoic acid...the older racemic ALA and the newer R-lipoic, are thought to heal the mitochondria in the cells that may be damaged and therefore cannot produce enough energy to fix
nerve cells.

Lipoic acid is complex:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoic_acid
The research has been going on with this for over a decade, and now some neurologists even recommend it. (amazing!)

This thread discusses it in more detail:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread159210.html

If you are building muscle that is a good sign. Pyridoxal (the active form of B6) is required for good muscle activity.
The lipoic acid will help give the cells more energy.
You need quality protein to build lean muscle mass. Magnesium for proper relaxation of the fibers. And adequate potassium in the diet for nerve transmission.

I am finding for myself that magnesium applied to the body areas bothering me...works better than oral.
CVS Epsom lotion... or Epsom-It which is more expensive.

Also you might try d-ribose.
More on ribose here:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post708792-40.html

Ribose is a constituant of adenosine, and the body uses adenosine to make AMP, ADP and ATP for energy in the mitochondria. It may help with some muscle metabolism.

It is used in grams and so buying the powder is more economical. It has shown promise in patients with fibromyalgia and sore muscles.

Thank you, MrsD,

I'm so sorry to hear about your kittie. We can't have cats, but I adore my grandkitties -- one snowshoe, one short hair, and one lovely little fellow in a tuxedo, who is new to the family.

[QUOTE=mrsD;817579]


I am finding for myself that magnesium applied to the body areas bothering me...works better than oral.
CVS Epsom lotion... or Epsom-It which is more expensive.


Oh Mrs D you have just made my day, as you know I have tried unsuccessfully to buy Epsom creams in the UK as all US companies I have tried don't ship overseas, but I have just successfully ordered Epsom-it with free shipping so I ordered 2bottles. Thanks once again.

[QUOTE=malawigirl08;817674]Cool... I can't say the base will be identical, but it looks as good on paper.

I really like the topical. I am so glad januarybabe brought here for us!
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post767788-26.html

I see CVS has stopped offering it online. I hope it is still in the stores. I bought ahead, and still have some left...so haven't looked recently.

[QUOTE=mrsD;817681]I am looking forward to not having my feet in water for so long, it is really making the skin dry.