A recent customer asked what could be used for peripheral neuropathy. He was not a diabetic and it began three weeks ago after a sinus infection. He had taken an antibiotic known as ciprofloxacin.
This was likely a drug induced "side effect". This August the FDA is requiring labeling changes to the antibiotic drug class known as fluoroquinolones that include AveloxÒ (moxifloxacin), CiproÒ (ciprofloxacin), LevaquinÒ (levofloxacin), Factive (gemifloxacin), and NoroxinÒ (norfloxacin). Fluoroquinolones carry the risk of serious peripherial neuropathy (nerve damage) that may be permanent.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms may include muscle weakness, tingling, numbness and burning pain of the legs or feet. It can feel like freezing, burning, or electric like sensations. Many diabetics experience these symptoms. Unfortunately, this drug induced problem may be associated with other nerve related problems including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), decreased sense of smell or hearing, anxiety, headache, and memory problems. In 2008, the FDA also issued a warning about tendon damage as some individual experienced a sudden tear of the Achilles' tendon. This disaster may impact other joints to include inflammation of tendons, weakness, and swelling.
Fluoroquinolone's are suppose to be used for serious bacterial infections. They chemically have a fluoride attached which allows greater penetration in tissue that is not easy to reach. This includes the brain where it interferes with GABA receptors associated with calming, hence, anxiety and panic attacks. This class of antibiotics are also associated with the development of MRSA and C. Diff (Clostridium difficile) bacterial infections.
Who would think that taking a "simple" antibiotic had the potential to create such havoc?
Diabetic neuropathy has been helped with alpha lipoic acid 300mg three times daily. It is best to find a compound pharmacy (requires a prescription) that keeps this health fat frozen or in the refrigerator, as it is a perishable product. Add a vitamin B Complex. Magnesium Complex can be helpful for nerve or muscle related problems. Neuropain HP by Natural Creations is a homeopathic that can be helpful for nerve related pain. And, always take a good probiotic (Enterobiotic SBO) any time you take an antibiotic.
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