Any ideas about Alpha Lipoic Acid

[Jolier]

Has anyone any experience with using Alpha Lipoic acid(ALA, antioxidant) for neuropathy following trigeminal neuralgia? It seems as though it is now the first line management for diabetic neuropathy in Europe.I have undertaken some research and found it has been tried for other cranial nerve neuropathies at a dose of 600mgs per day.Any input would be appreciated. Keep up the good work everyone.

[tinajean]

My daughter and I took 1- 200 mg tablet each and our hands became swollen, tight feeling and some sotty discoloration, has anyone had this occur or have any advice on that? Thanks!

[Jolier]

Thank  you for your reply. Its great to recive this kind of inpit. Please keep up the good work

[Quixotic1]

I've been reading about Alpha lipoic acid for neurological issues for about 2 years now.  There was an early nice study out of Atanford Univ. looking at it for the aging brain.  Impressive results, but they also used acetyl-l-carnitine.

I briefly looked at the literature.  ALA is clearly beneficial for diabetic neuropathy, has been studied with good succes in a neuropathy of the mouth called "burning mouth syndrome", and , as you said used extensively in Europe for Trigeminal Neuralgia which can be devastatingly painful.  I, personally would not have any problem embarking on a trial of ALA if I had TN.

I did a quick search on "toxicity" and even the usual conservative sources that don't recommend anything feel it is safe at the dose you are alking about 200mg 3 times a day or 600mg a day.

In practical medicine, especially in pediatrics, we often went "off-label" trying drugs or supplements in problems related to the ones they were proven for.  It's how a great deal of advancement takes place.  In a way it is using patients or yourself as a guinea pig, but my attitude is this.  If the problem is life-altering, and the substance has shown little toxicity then, why not?  In your case people are already using it and reporting good benefits.

I hope this helps, Quix