4 replies to this topic

[smokymtn memories]

Before my neurosurgeon put me on Gabapentin for the nasty burning pain, he started me on 300mg of B-6 a day for two weeks and then down to 200mg a day. I did'nt really think it was doing anything until I ran out. Then after about a week, the burning became more intense. I remembered about the B-6 and decided to go pick up another bottle. It's not much, but it does seem to make the burning not so intense.

(Of course, I feel about the same way with the Gabapentin, does'nt get rid of it, but boy can you tell when you've missed a dose!!)

Anyway, I just wondered if anyone else had heard of it and if it could do anyone else any good........

[LadyPilot]

This Vitamin is important in maintaining healthy nerve tissue, relieving inflammation and improving circulation. It is also thought to increase the brains production of the nerve chemical GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which helps control pain sensations.

I started taking 100mg B6 daily seven years ago after receiving blunt trauma to one of my wrists, resulting in the same symptons as Carpel tunnel Syndrome. Although B6 has certainly helped my wrist it has had no effect on any neuropathic pain I have.
I was advised NOT to take more than 100mg daily. Indeed you cannot buy large dose tablets over the counter (in the UK)anymore, because it can lead to nerve damage.

Below is an extract from "Vitamin B6- Wikipedia the free Encyclopedia" :

Although vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is excreted in the urine, very high doses of pyridoxine (B6) over long periods of time may result in painful neurological symptoms known as sensory neuropathy. Symptoms include pain and numbness of the extremities, and in severe cases difficulty walking. Sensory neuropathy typically develops at doses of pyridoxine in excess of 1,000 mg per day. However, there have been a few case reports of individuals who developed sensory neuropathies at doses of less than 500 mg daily over a period of months. None of the studies, in which an objective neurological examination was performed, found evidence of sensory nerve damage at intakes of pyridoxine below 200 mg/day (15). In order to prevent sensory neuropathy in virtually all individuals, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine set the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for pyridoxine at 100 mg/day for adults.

[smokymtn memories]

Thanks so much for the reply Lady Pilot, I go to the neurosurgeon on Monday for a new picture of my neck and a check up, I'll be sure and ask questions regarding the dosage I'm taking! In the meantime, I think I'll drop it to 100mg! The Lord knows I don't need any more neuropathic pain than I already have!!!

[LadyPilot]

LadyPilot, on Jul 26 2007, 09:29 AM, said:

I started taking 100mg B6 daily seven years ago after receiving blunt trauma to one of my wrists, resulting in the same symptons as Carpel tunnel Syndrome. Although B6 has certainly helped my wrist it has had no effect on any neuropathic pain I have.

I stopped taking B6 several weeks ago.

Recently I started getting horrendous neuropathic pain in my right forearm. Usually heat helps lessen the stinging pain but this time I was in agony and I almost deliberatley burned my arm to escape the pain. I did rub my arm so hard I took the skin off. Then I remembered posting here about the B6 and started taking 50mg B6 again, amazingly just a few days later and the intense stinging has stopped. So in my case, Vit B6 has really made a difference to the neuropathic pain I was experiencing. Odddly enough, it has made no difference to the burning in my legs.

smokymtn memories- How are you doing with your pain??

[smokymtn memories]

Hi LadyPilot, like everyone else, hanging in there. But, I did go for my appointment on 7/30, asked about the B-6 and was told to keep taking.

I continue to take the B-6 and will as long as doc advises to. My husband started taking it to see if it would help his burning feet after driving truck all day. It worked for him. He's stubborn and won't go to the doctor's and find out why his feet burn and are numb. No sci with him, although he has bad arthritis in lower back.

I figure, "what the heck", they're cheap and I'll take every little bit of help I can take!

I'm sure glad it's made a difference for you too.