Trying 1 Gram of Medication for Nerve Regeneration

[Krackersones]

My neuro prescribed 1 gram of this a day for me to be taken in three doses. He says and I confirmed via the Internet that it has been shown to increase nerve regeneration in a study involving diabetics. It also helps to improve muscle strength. There were no new developments in my symptoms when he prescribed it but I see him regularly and he is up for trying things to see if they help. I have only been taking it for a few weeks. I have noticed no side effects so it is an easy thing to incorporate. It costs over $300 for a thirty day supply but is only $5.00 with insurance. Has anyone heard of this amino acid or had any experience with it. I will let you know in four or five months whether I think it has helped me or not.

 

[hypomanicgirl]

Jro,Thank your for sharing this information. I know that L-carnitine is a popular supplement for bodybuilders - it apparently aids fat burning and building lean body mass. In Canada it's only available on a prescription - they use it for chronic fatigue syndrome and diabetic neuropathy. It would be wonderful if this worked for you, please keep us posted. Kat

 

[AllGoodHere]

Hi Jro - Yes I've been taking L-carnitine with some success for months. Not the Rx as my neuro wanted to keep my Dx off the record as he feels I am borderline myopathic and didn't want to give me a 'pre-existing condition'. So I've been taking over the counter stuff - good name brand but probably not the quality of a Rx - 1000 to 1500mg/day. It has cut the spontaneous cramps but not the induced (from activity) ones but makes life easier as I rarely get them at rest or during sleep anymore. I can deal with the induced cramps even though they still tick me off sometimes as they can really hurt and cause sprains/tissue damage. I think I posted about this once..... Out of the fray here - I have been stopping by 1-2x a month to check up on all you bsf'ers. Continued good health wishes to all.

 

[Krackersones]

I'm glad to hear you've had success with it. Smart doc to keep the possible dx off the books. My neuro just brought out the prescription at the last second of my last appointment. I'm glad he is willing to experiment with things that really have no downside.

 

[paucek.sheldon1]

According to this article, L-Carnitine helps make men's little guys swim better.

 

[Krackersones]

43RichyThe43rd,I will keep my meds away from my husband. I do not have children and do not want any.Krackersones

 

[Krackersones]

I am sure about the price but I think the price has more to do with the insurance industry's relationship with the pharmaceutical companies here than the real value of the stuff. I'm guessing IMOK pays a lot less for the over the counter stuff and it may be the same thing. You might ask her about it. I only pay a few bucks despite the price because of insurance. I'm not sure how easily you could get this in the UK. There are studies you could bring to your doctor. Search the name and nerves and see what you find. I have not had disgestive discomfort from it which is the main side effect and I really do think it has helped some. I will have a better idea of course the longer I take it. I think it is worth a try if you can get it.

 

[seadragonsovereign]

Don't need a prescription in the US either, apparently. Amazon (through Swanson products) has 100 tabs of 500 mg L-carnitine for $8.79. There are also a bunch of other suppliers, but that is the cheapest price. Might be worth the try at that price.

 

[AllGoodHere]

The ALC (acetyl-l-carnitine) is more easily metabolised and I believe that is what the Carnitor is - does it say on the bottle Krackersones? I switched over a month ago - seems to help me. However, I noticed a change within a week - when I have gone off it or cut dosage I feel it after a few days.

 

[rexteck]

I know this post is old old old but could someone who has tried L-carnitine on this post please update as have bought a shed load of this stuff and would like to know if it has helped.Also any side effectsThanks xtremx

 

[AllGoodHere]

I found it helpful - but also I was close to going full vegetarian diet before-hand and that may have been adding to my symptoms (low protein) which the carnitine may have helped with normalizing. It is worth a try - if you don't overdo it it isn't harmful - can't remember but I think there was one warning about people with kidney problems in taking it but that was all? I was using the liquid acetyl-l-carnitine at the time; not on it now but my symptoms have gotten better so I don't take anything but a good whole food multi-vit-min supplement with fish oil etc in it. Good luck with it.

 

[JohnHill999]

you might want to try other amino acids as well if this helps. I found choline to be very "useful".

 

[SiriusBlack]

It also helps with varicoceles if anyone finds that interesting. Taking it myself but only 500mg/day for the last month or so. No noticeable difference. As an amino acid it is fairly harmless. It's like eating meat.