What should i take for neuropathy

You may also need to wear splints to support weak ankles or use walking aids to help you get around. As peripheral neuropathy can be a very painful and troublesome problem that may only partly be relieved by standard treatments, you may be tempted to try other therapies. Speak to your doctor before trying these treatments in case they could interfere with your ongoing treatment. Page last reviewed: 24 April Next review due: 24 April Treating the underlying cause There are many different causes of peripheral neuropathy , some of which can be treated in different ways.

For example: diabetes can sometimes be controlled by lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated with B12 injections or tablets peripheral neuropathy caused by a medicine you're taking may improve if the medicine is stopped Some less common types of peripheral neuropathy may be treated with medicines, such as: steroids — powerful anti-inflammatory medicines immunosuppressants — medicines that reduce the activity of the immune system injections of immunoglobulin — a mixture of blood proteins called antibodies made by the immune system But the underlying cause may not always be treatable.

Relieving nerve pain You may also require medicine to treat any nerve pain neuropathic pain you're experiencing. Higher doses may be better at managing the pain, but are also more likely to cause side effects.

The side effects should improve after a week or two as your body gets used to the medicine. Even if the first medicine tried does not help, others may. The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include: amitriptyline — also used for treatment of headaches and depression duloxetine — also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression pregabalin and gabapentin — also used to treat epilepsy , headaches or anxiety There are also some additional medicines that you can take to relieve pain in a specific area of your body or to relieve particularly severe pain for short periods.

Capsaicin cream If your pain is confined to a particular area of your body, you may benefit from using capsaicin cream. Rub a pea-sized amount of capsaicin cream on the painful area of skin 3 or 4 times a day.

Tramadol Tramadol is a powerful painkiller related to morphine that can be used to treat neuropathic pain that does not respond to other treatments your GP can prescribe. Foods rich in B vitamins include:. A review indicates that supplementing with B vitamins has the potential to promote nerve repair.

This may be because B vitamins can speed up nerve tissue regeneration and improve nerve function. B vitamins may also be useful in relieving pain and inflammation. The results of studies showing the benefit of benfotiamine in treating neuropathy have been mixed. A small study and a study found benfotiamine to have a positive effect on diabetic neuropathy. It was shown to decrease pain and improve the condition.

But a small study found that people with type 1 diabetes who took milligrams per day of benfotiamine showed no significant improvements in nerve function or inflammation.

People took the supplement for 24 months. Further studies are needed to expand upon these findings. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that may be useful in treating neuropathy caused by diabetes or cancer treatment. A study says it may lower blood sugar levels, improve nerve function, and relieve uncomfortable symptoms in the legs and arms such as:. It can be taken in supplement form or administered intravenously. You may take to 1, milligrams per day in capsule form. Foods that have trace amounts of alpha-lipoic acid include:.

Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to have a positive effect on nerve conduction and to reduce neuropathic pain. A small study found that alpha-lipoic acid was useful in protecting against oxidative damage in people with diabetic neuropathy.

One important note of caution: If you are deficient in thiamine, or vitamin B1, as a result of excessive alcohol use or for another reason, alpha-lipoic acid may have a toxic effect on your system. Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid and antioxidant. It may raise energy levels, create healthy nerve cells, and reduce pain in people with neuropathy. You can take it as a supplement.

A typical dosage is milligrams twice per day. According to a study , acetyl-L-carnitine significantly improved:. Participants received either a placebo or 3 grams per day of acetyl-L-carnitine for 8 weeks.

Researchers noted significant differences between the groups at 12 weeks. This indicates that the neurotoxicity persists without further clinical intervention. NAC is a form of cysteine. Its many medicinal uses include treating neuropathic pain and reducing inflammation. You can take it as a supplement in amounts of 1, milligrams once or twice per day. Results of a animal study showed that NAC may be useful in treating diabetic neuropathy. It reduced neuropathic pain and improved motor coordination.

Its antioxidant properties improved nerve damage from oxidative stress and apoptosis, or cell death. Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

Peripheral neuropathy care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Peripheral neuropathy has many potential causes. Besides a physical exam, which may include blood tests, diagnosis usually requires: A full medical history. Your doctor will review your medical history, including your symptoms, lifestyle, exposure to toxins, drinking habits and a family history of nervous system neurological diseases.

Neurological examination. Your doctor might check your tendon reflexes, your muscle strength and tone, your ability to feel certain sensations, and your posture and coordination. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your peripheral neuropathy-related health concerns Start Here. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Accessed March 25, What is peripheral neuropathy. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy. Rutkove SB. Overview of polyneuropathy. Feldman EL, et al. Treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Accessed April 3, Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.