Hello folks

Let me introduce myself first. I am having symptoms of suspected peripheral neuropathy for about a month or so now. The symptoms include pins and needles in my hands , feet , arms and legs at random places in random times, tingling and twitching mostly in the evening and nighttime. My doctor does not think so and has ordered bloodwork (fasting sugar, choresterol, cbc etc). Last month did liver enzymes which were normal (I take allopurinol for gout and levothyroxine (synthroid) for my thyroid). Dr. Google suggested using R-Alpha Lipoic Acid to relieve neuropathy symptoms , so I bought some from the internet. So far, I have been taking r-ALA alongwith B12 supplements for about 2 weeks , but the symptoms seem to persist. I know its too early to expect any results.

My question is how long should I wait before abandoning the idea of using R-ALA for neuropathy? What should be the next steps? Should I ask for a referal to the neurologist? Any other supplements that I should try alongwith R-ALA and B12?

Thanks in advance

Hi P3000g

Welcome to NeuroTalk .

There is some evidence that R-ALA can help with diabetic neuropathy but I don't whether it is effective for neuropathy arising for other reasons.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning

Best wishes.

Thanks Kiwi

I am really hoping the supplements work. I don't want to take prescription meds for this, considering the side effects.

BTW, Is 600mg a day (two 300mg timed releases) too high a starting dose for R- ALA?

From the link above between 300-1800 mg/day is suggested for diabetic neuropathy.

What study says Alpha-lipoic acid does anything?

It is discussed here, together with other drugs which have been used in management of diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathic pain: Physiopathology and treatment

You should absolutely ask for a referral to a neurologist, who will do EMG tests to determine if you have peripheral neuropathy or not. I have SFN (non-diabetic) and have been taking ALA for a year or so. Honestly, I don't think it's had any affect. I've read all the literature, and the neurologist I saw said it won't have any negative effect. But it's far and away not something you can expect to control your neuropathy, especially without doing more research into what might be the cause.

That's one thing you should really really consider. My wellness doctor says Nothing white, Nothing out of a box, bag or carton, no dairy, no sugar, no night shade vegetables, as they all contribute to inflammation. Not a good thing. It might be worth considering, as thus far, my diet plus my organic vegetable deprived supplements have helped my neuropathy symptoms.

Two supplements I've used and posted about here are:

Inosine and Sphingolin and I've been off them for a while but have them on order to go on for a while again. You can do a search on them and give one or both a 3 month trial at least.

If it burns and tingles, it's neuropathy, don't need a doc for this dx. I've never talked to a doc about it as I've read enough here and now what I am dealing with. Gluten is a good thing to get rid of period.

Frankly I find this forum more helpful than the doctors. Both my Primary Care Physician and neurologist are clueless after a battery of blood tests, EMGs and MRI. The only positive result was the Celiac IGG Deamidated Gliadin antibody test which was 5 times the normal (it was 77.5 and normal should be below 15). And my PCP says it could be a false positive!