I've been reading about Alpha lipoic acid for neurological issues for about 2 years now. There was an early nice study out of Atanford Univ. looking at it for the aging brain. Impressive results, but they also used acetyl-l-carnitine.
I briefly looked at the literature. ALA is clearly beneficial for diabetic neuropathy, has been studied with good succes in a neuropathy of the mouth called "burning mouth syndrome", and , as you said used extensively in Europe for Trigeminal Neuralgia which can be devastatingly painful. I, personally would not have any problem embarking on a trial of ALA if I had TN.
I did a quick search on "toxicity" and even the usual conservative sources that don't recommend anything feel it is safe at the dose you are alking about 200mg 3 times a day or 600mg a day.
In practical medicine, especially in pediatrics, we often went "off-label" trying drugs or supplements in problems related to the ones they were proven for. It's how a great deal of advancement takes place. In a way it is using patients or yourself as a guinea pig, but my attitude is this. If the problem is life-altering, and the substance has shown little toxicity then, why not? In your case people are already using it and reporting good benefits.
I hope this helps, Quix
Thank you for your reply. Its great to recive this kind of inpit. Please keep up the good work
My daughter and I took 1- 200 mg tablet each and our hands became swollen, tight feeling and some sotty discoloration, has anyone had this occur or have any advice on that? Thanks!