Alpha Lipoic Acid

[Sparklingsunshine]

Hi

I've been taking the above for a number of weeks as I'd read its good for neuropathy. I have fibro and one of my most persistent and annoying symptoms is pins and needles in my feet and hands. In recent months it had spread to my head and other areas and was driving me nuts. I have a suspicion it's small fibre neuropathy which seems common for fibro/ME suffers and I have requested a neuro referral from my GP.

I really didn't want to go down the medication route again as I found the side effects very unpleasant. And I'd heard ALA is often used for neuropathy in Europe so I thought I'd try it and I think it is definitely helping but I also heard it can lower the effect of thyroid meds. So should I increase my levo?

Just wondered if anyone knew anything please. Thanks.

[greygoose]

I think what it really does is reduce conversion of T4 to T3, so increasing levo might not help. But, if I were you, I wouldn't do anything until I'd had full thyroid testing. You can't just guess at these things.

[humanbean]

Another possibility for the cause(s) of pins and needles and neuropathy is :

Vitamin B12 deficiency : b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Vitamin B6 deficiency : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitam...

Vitamin B6 toxicity : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megav...

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to humanbean]

Hi

I do have B12 injections every 3 months. I've had the pins and needles for years and just accepted them but they've got worse and spread since September. I've used amytriptyline in the past to help with nerve pain, also tried Duloxetine and Gabapentin but I'd rather avoid them if possible. The side effects are unpleasant.

[MMaud]

I'm only going to comment that if you do decide to investigate ALA, then you should focus on R-ALA. It is considered to be much more effective than ALA.

I took R-ALA for a few months in an attempt to help with post-surgical neuropathy on my ribcage. My neuropathy waned and disappeared, but in all honesty, I can't be certain is the material factor in thi8s was R-ALA, or simply the passage of time. Whichever, I was just glad to be living in less pain, and the pain-free.

I hope you get to the bottom of the root cause.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to MMaud]

HiYes I'd read about R type, I'm using a supplement at the moment that combines both R and S. As I said I have Fibromyalgia and nerve problems are common. Hoping I get my neuro referral before too long. Thanks for replying.

[Sparklingsunshine]

Hi

I'm on Levo. I definitely think it has helped. I've got fibro, B12 deficiency and now hypo so a triple threat. Sometimes it can be pretty unbearable. I'm very keen to avoid antidepressants or anti epilepsy drugs again. Apparently doctors in Europe often advise it for diabetics with neuropathy but in the UK its always pharmaceuticals.

[mids_thyman]

Hi Sparklingsunshine,

I've just found this thread, and I'm in a similar position. I've just been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy (although still being investigated), I'm a type 1 diabetic and have hypothyroidism which is treated with levothyroxine.

I've been put on duloxetine, but am experiencing some not-very-pleasant side-effects and want to door to take me off them. So am also looking at R-Alpha Lipoic Acid. I've also read it can lower thyroid levels, but can't really find out if that is rare, or by how much.

Did you carry on with ALA, and did it affect your thyroid levels?

Thanks in advance.

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

the head bit… does it feel like a swimming cap of numbish prickles being pulled over your head? I’ve never linked it to the numb arms but occasionally get this too. 🤷🏽‍♀️