Multivitamin linked to nerve problems

Q. Last October, I started having neurological symptoms. My hands were falling asleep every night with pins and needles. The symptoms got worse, and I developed pain in my neck, upper back and arms. Sometimes my feet would fall asleep as well.

I saw my family doctor, a neurologist, an orthopedist and a physiatrist. I had my blood tested for B-12 deficiency, diabetes and thyroid problems. I had an MRI that showed some disk deterioration and arthritis in my neck. One doctor even suggested I might have multiple sclerosis.

Despite physical therapy and muscle relaxants, my symptoms fluctuated. No one thought to suggest vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) toxicity. I was taking a multivitamin with 150 percent of the RDA for this vitamin.

Finally, I Googled my symptoms and thought perhaps I might have too much B-6 in my system. A blood test showed I had twice the upper limit of normal. I stopped taking the supplement, and within four weeks my symptoms were 95 percent improved! Apparently, some people do not process this vitamin the way others do, and it can be dangerous.

Since then, my 23-year-old daughter developed similar symptoms. These were linked to an energy drink that has extra vitamin B-6.

A. Your case is quite unusual. Although there are reports of neurological damage from high doses of vitamin B-6 (above 100 mg per day), symptoms such as yours are not supposed to occur at the dose you were taking.

Thank you for alerting us to the possibility that some people may be exceptionally sensitive to vitamin B-6 toxicity.

Q. I have suffered from insomnia for many years. My doctor prescribed Ambien, but it doesn’t seem to be working very well anymore. I also suspect that it affected my memory.

Now the doctor is suggesting the antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil). The side effects I have read about make me nervous. Is there any herb or home remedy that might help me get some sleep?

A. Amitriptyline is an old-fashioned (tricyclic) antidepressant. Some people experience a morning hangover effect that leaves them drowsy and disoriented. It also can dry the mouth, cause constipation and affect cognitive function, so it is not appropriate for older people.

There are a number of natural approaches for insomnia that may be helpful. The dietary supplement melatonin or herbs such as valerian, lemon balm, passionflower or hops may be helpful. A light, high-carbohydrate snack before bedtime is sometimes beneficial.

We are sending our Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep with “do’s and don’ts” and information on both nondrug options and sleeping pills. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. I-70, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. You sometimes get questions about how to get rid of warts. I’ve had horses all my life, and warts on a horse’s muzzle are common. I’ve always rubbed the milk from a bleeding milkweed plant on them. It takes only a few times.

Most horsemen know of this fix even if it is restricted to summer. It also worked on my daughter when she got warts on her hands and knees.

A. Topical application of milkweed juice is a time-honored wart remedy. Many others also have reported success with this native plant.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy: Mother Nature’s Medicine.”

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.