I am an 82 year old male, former long distance runner (marathon at age 72). I had minor (needle) surgery for a painful degenerating disc about 20 years ago which gave complete relief from back pain ever since. I have had PN since 2001, which seems to have been exacerbated by running that last marathon, with numbness and tingling of the feet and hands progressively moving up the legs and arms until today the tingling encompasses my entire body, from scalp to the soles of my feet. I have experienced no pain, but have frequent painful leg/thigh cramps. No cause has been determined after years of testing by the VA Medical Center, so no treatment has been authorized. It continues to progress as the months and years roll by. I have tried supplements (R-Lipoic Acid, etc) and lately have tried magnesium oil applied topically to legs and feet (which seems to eleviate the numbness, but no way to measure this). What about Metanx? No one ever mentioned this to me and I just found mention of it in an online forum.
Is Metanx efficacious for non-diabetic idiopathic peripheral neuropathy?
Question posted by legsdickson on 25 Jan 2014
Last updated on 8 November 2016 by toopokey
3 Answers
I was diagnosed with idiopathic neuropathy by my podiatrist after years of worsening foot pain. Workup was negative for pre-diabetes. I was given samples of Metanx and to my astonishment was pain free within a week of beginning a once a day regimen. You have nothing to loose by trying it even though it is off-label for idiopathic etiology.
There are pros and cons on Metanx Vitamin B supplements.
Some say it only works for diabetic neuropathy; however, my neuropathy is so excruciating I am willing to try anything. I also have idiopathic neuropathy, mine is from my lower back down to my toes and now its going up into my back. I have been doing research before paying the $178.50 for 3 months. I have also taken Alpha Lipoic Acid. Another medication that may help is cymbalta. Here is a link for reviews on the metanx.
https://www.drugs.com/comments/multivitamin/metanx.html .. sometimes the links will not open, if that's the case copy and paste.
I wish you the best,
pamee
My metanx is coming from out of state. My Dr. ordered it. I can let you know later. He said it was the least expensive he had found, around $35.00 per month.
I really would appreciate that. Thank you John!
I would appreciate knowing the lower cost way to buy this as well. I'm hoping my doctor will prescribe it for me. Thanks! - EJ23
Juantyra,
I was wondering if you would please send me information on the price of metanx when you receive it from your doctor? You can either let me know here or do so in a private question.
God bless
EJ,
Your doctor would surely do it as metanx is Vit B supplements.
I wish you well.
God bless
You never know - the pain specialist won't prescribe things that he deems my primary care provider should prescribe. But the primary care doctor is reluctant to prescribe ANYTHING in regards to pain! I swear, going back between the two of them is SO frustrating! I'd like to give this a try - just have to hit it on a good day for one of them!! - EJ23
My Doctor put me on it yesterday. I have the exact situation you have. It started with years of back problems, then neuropathy in legs and feet, and then that burning has gone all over my body. I was having it all over my body about every 4 to 6 days. Then I was having it about every two weeks. Now I am having it nearly every day.
My feet don't look good and really don't feel good. I am 73 years old.
I hope this or something else works for both of us.
My Dr. wanted to put me on Cymbalta but said it wouldn't work with other drugs I am on.
My Dr. is a Endocrinologist and has a very good reputation. He thinks the Metibx has a good chance of helping me.
Good luck, John
Curious if you ever found out where your dr got the mentanx for $35.
Related topics
metanx, peripheral neuropathy, pain, back pain, surgery, diabetic, male
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
