Peripheral neuropathy

March 2008     View PDF     En español

Research on peripheral neuropathy

The likelihood that PN becomes a problem increases as people with HIV live longer. Some are faced with taking drugs that cause PN, so trying to prevent it and treat it can become a challenge for doctors and their patients.

TOPICAL MEDICINES
One small study that used the skin gel Lidoderm (lidocaine) for PN showed that it didn’t lower the pain. However, some people do use it. A larger international study is now looking at using a skin patch with capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers “spicy”. So far, the study has showed good results of reducing pain among the volunteers.

SUPPLEMENTS
An amino acid supplement, called L-acetyl carnitine (LAC), has been studied for treating and preventing PN. In 2004, a small British study showed some evidence of less painful symptoms and nerve regrowth. Volunteers took 1,500mg LAC twice a day. Results from an older study showed that LAC eased PN symptoms over placebo. More study is needed to show its possible effectiveness.

A second supplement, uridine, may improve the function of mitochondria—the power centers inside cells. This, in turn, may reverse nerve damage. Some studies are using it to treat PN due to diabetes and so far report hopeful data. Other studies have begun in people with HIV.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA
A 2007 study report showed that smoking medical marijuana reduced chronic pain due to PN in just over half of its 50 adult volunteers. All smoked three cigarettes a day for 5 days, either with medical marijuana or placebo. The amount of relief averaged a more than 30% reduction in pain. Side effects included dizziness, anxiety, confusion and sedation.