Over-the-counter treatments for small fiber neuropathy
| Treatments | Dosage | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Oral supplements | ||
| Acetyl-l-carnitine | 1,000 mg 3 times a day | Some benefit seen in diabetic and human immunodeficiency virus neuropathy,45,47 but may worsen chemotherapy-induced neuropathy48 |
| Alpha lipoic acid | 600 mg/day | Early studies found benefit with intravenous dosing but no data on optimal oral dose46 |
| Glutamine | 15 g twice a day | Possible neuroprotective effect in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy with oral dose,49 pain reduction with intravenous dosing50 |
| Curcumin | Dose varies | Some benefit in pain reduction for diabetic and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy51,52 |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1,000–3,000 g/day | Possible pain reduction seen in mouse models; increased nerve growth in patients with diabetic small fiber neuropathy53,54 |
| Topical products | ||
| Vicks VapoRub | Apply as needed | May cause increased pain on initial contact |
| Horse liniment cream | Apply as needed | May cause increased pain on initial contact |
| Frankincense oil | Apply as needed | Reduces neuropathic pain in mice55 |
| Hemp cream or oil | Apply as needed | Noncannabidiol form legal in all states |