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Ask Dr. Kaiser Question: I am a doctor in a Third World African country working withpatients who have HIV/AIDS. Your book has been extremely useful. We have a lot of problems with HIV-related neuropathy. Any help for us? Dr. Kaiser replies: Peripheral neuropathy is defined as the occurrence of numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the extremities. It can be caused by some of the drugs used to treat HIV infection and by the HIV virus itself. If the immune system has become weakened, it is more likely that neuropathy
will occur. While there are some medications that can be used to block
the painful sensations of neuropathy (i.e. Gabapentin, amytriptyline,
codeine), the best treatment to correct the underlying toxicity to the
nerves themselves is nutritional support with calcium, magnesium, vitamin
B6, and vitamin B12 at the dosages described in the neuropathy chapter
of my book, For those patients who have greater monetary resources, the supplements alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl L-carnitine can be added as well (see above references for dosage levels). The exact protocol for treating neuropathy is contained within my double-strength vitamin packets and this protocol is currently being studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. These nutritional supplements are potent antioxidants that biochemically help to protect the nerves from the toxicity associated with antiretroviral drugs and HIV infection itself. Thank you for your question. If necessary, one can certainly try substituting other medications that may not have neuropathy side effects. Check out our Message Board! |
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