We conducted a review of randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of vitamin B12 in treating postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful condition following shingles. Our analysis included data from databases such as PubMed and Cochrane Library, focusing specifically on trials that measured pain relief outcomes.
Our findings indicate that vitamin B12 supplementation has a significant positive effect on reducing pain levels in PHN patients. In fact, those who received vitamin B12 experienced a notable decrease in pain compared to those on placebo, with a reduction in the pain score of about four points. This result suggests that vitamin B12 not only helps with pain relief but also enhances overall quality of life for individuals suffering from this distressing condition.
Additionally, we observed a drop in the number of patients relying on analgesics, pointing to a potential alternative treatment avenue with vitamin B12. Although the evidence is moderate in quality, it presents a compelling case for the use of vitamin B12 as a complementary therapy for managing pain associated with shingles.
Read More
9
Local B12 injections reduce shingles pain
Local Administration of Methylcobalamin for Subacute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial.
We conducted a clinical trial to determine how effective local injections of vitamin B12, specifically methylcobalamin, combined with lidocaine, are in treating pain caused by shingles, known as subacute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia (SOHN). One hundred and five patients participated, each experiencing moderate to severe pain. They were divided into three groups to receive different treatments: a local injection of methylcobalamin and lidocaine, an intramuscular injection of methylcobalamin with local lidocaine, or oral methylcobalamin alongside local lidocaine.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
Read More
9
Methylcobalamin injections relieve shingles pain
A single-center randomized controlled trial of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute herpetic neuralgia.
We conducted a study to see how effective local injections of methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, could be in easing pain and enhancing quality of life for people suffering from subacute herpetic neuralgia, a painful condition related to shingles.
Ninety-eight participants over the age of 50, all experiencing significant pain after a shingles rash, were involved in this randomized controlled trial. They received either local methylcobalamin injections, oral methylcobalamin, or lidocaine injections over a four-week period, and we measured various pain levels and quality of life indicators pre- and post-treatment.
The results showed that local methylcobalamin injections significantly reduced overall pain and other pain-related symptoms compared to the other groups. Notably, many participants reported a marked improvement in their daily living activities and overall quality of life. However, it is important to note that oral methylcobalamin did not lead to significant pain relief, which highlights the advantage of local injections over oral treatments in this case.
Overall, we observed that local methylcobalamin injections appear to be an effective and well-tolerated option for treating pain associated with shingles.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Prevention and treatment
Excellent! These tasty, healthy candies are wonderful for my children. We use them for both prevention and treatment of shingles, making them a vital component when the children are unwell.
Read More
7.5
Essential for recovery
Wonderful! During my shingles treatment at the hospital, I was prescribed B-12, an essential vitamin for nervous system recovery. I've been taking B-12 supplements ever since and will continue to do so to prevent neuralgia.
Read More
7.5
Helps nervous system
The taste is sweet. My mother has shingles, and eating this together aids her nervous system recovery. Its effects and efficacy are excellent.
We conducted a clinical trial to determine how effective local injections of vitamin B12, specifically methylcobalamin, combined with lidocaine, are in treating pain caused by shingles, known as subacute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia (SOHN). One hundred and five patients participated, each experiencing moderate to severe pain. They were divided into three groups to receive different treatments: a local injection of methylcobalamin and lidocaine, an intramuscular injection of methylcobalamin with local lidocaine, or oral methylcobalamin alongside local lidocaine.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
Read More
9
Vitamin B12 reduces shingles pain
Local Administration of Methylcobalamin and Lidocaine for Acute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.
We investigated the effects of a combination of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and lidocaine on acute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia, commonly known as shingles. The study involved 98 patients who were divided into two groups based on when their shingles symptoms began—those with symptoms for three days or less and those between four to seven days. Each group was further split into a control group receiving standard treatments and a treatment group receiving the combination therapy locally for a duration of 14 days.
Our findings revealed that the combination treatment significantly reduced pain and improved healing compared to the control group. Specifically, patients who received the methylcobalamin and lidocaine mixture experienced faster healing of skin rashes and marked reductions in pain levels. Notably, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication after shingles, was also much lower in those receiving the combination treatment, reaching just 2.04% at three months.
This suggests that using vitamin B12 along with lidocaine could be a promising therapeutic option for people suffering from shingles, particularly if applied within the first week of symptom onset. The results highlight not just the treatment’s efficacy in relieving pain but also its potential to enhance overall recovery from this challenging condition.
Read More
9
Methylcobalamin injections relieve shingles pain
A single-center randomized controlled trial of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute herpetic neuralgia.
We conducted a study to see how effective local injections of methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, could be in easing pain and enhancing quality of life for people suffering from subacute herpetic neuralgia, a painful condition related to shingles.
Ninety-eight participants over the age of 50, all experiencing significant pain after a shingles rash, were involved in this randomized controlled trial. They received either local methylcobalamin injections, oral methylcobalamin, or lidocaine injections over a four-week period, and we measured various pain levels and quality of life indicators pre- and post-treatment.
The results showed that local methylcobalamin injections significantly reduced overall pain and other pain-related symptoms compared to the other groups. Notably, many participants reported a marked improvement in their daily living activities and overall quality of life. However, it is important to note that oral methylcobalamin did not lead to significant pain relief, which highlights the advantage of local injections over oral treatments in this case.
Overall, we observed that local methylcobalamin injections appear to be an effective and well-tolerated option for treating pain associated with shingles.
Read More
8
Vitamin B12 aids shingles pain relief
Vitamin B12 for herpetic neuralgia: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
We conducted a review of randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of vitamin B12 in treating postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful condition following shingles. Our analysis included data from databases such as PubMed and Cochrane Library, focusing specifically on trials that measured pain relief outcomes.
Our findings indicate that vitamin B12 supplementation has a significant positive effect on reducing pain levels in PHN patients. In fact, those who received vitamin B12 experienced a notable decrease in pain compared to those on placebo, with a reduction in the pain score of about four points. This result suggests that vitamin B12 not only helps with pain relief but also enhances overall quality of life for individuals suffering from this distressing condition.
Additionally, we observed a drop in the number of patients relying on analgesics, pointing to a potential alternative treatment avenue with vitamin B12. Although the evidence is moderate in quality, it presents a compelling case for the use of vitamin B12 as a complementary therapy for managing pain associated with shingles.
Read More
8
Vitamin B12 shows limited effectiveness
Local Injection of Methylcobalamin Combined with Lidocaine for Acute Herpetic Neuralgia.
We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of combining methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, with lidocaine in treating acute herpetic neuralgia, commonly linked to shingles. Our study involved 204 participants over 50 years old, who were divided into groups based on the timing of their symptoms.
The treatment groups received local injections of both methylcobalamin and lidocaine for 14 days, while the control groups received intramuscular methylcobalamin plus local lidocaine. We evaluated treatment outcomes by measuring rash healing time, pain intensity, and overall quality of life. Interestingly, while pain reduction was significant in the treatment groups, rash healing time did not differ much between them.
The findings revealed that although the combination treatment led to improvements in pain and quality of life, the effects of vitamin B12 alone on shingles were not fully separable from those of lidocaine. Therefore, while we observed benefits associated with the combination therapy, we cannot definitively claim that vitamin B12 alone significantly aids in shingles recovery.
Excellent! These tasty, healthy candies are wonderful for my children. We use them for both prevention and treatment of shingles, making them a vital component when the children are unwell.
Read More
7.5
Essential for recovery
Wonderful! During my shingles treatment at the hospital, I was prescribed B-12, an essential vitamin for nervous system recovery. I've been taking B-12 supplements ever since and will continue to do so to prevent neuralgia.
Read More
7.5
Helps nervous system
The taste is sweet. My mother has shingles, and eating this together aids her nervous system recovery. Its effects and efficacy are excellent.
Read More
6
Occasional use noted
Good product. Nice taste. I need it occasionally, especially for shingles, and it serves its purpose well.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection characterized by a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body, often in a stripe or patch-like formation. The virus responsible for shingles is the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an individual recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate later in life, especially when the immune system is weakened due to stress, aging, or other health issues. Symptoms usually start with localized pain, itching, or a burning sensation, followed by the development of red blisters that eventually crust over.
Vaccination may help reduce the risk of developing shingles, particularly for older adults and those with compromised immune systems. The shingles vaccine can also lessen the severity and duration of the illness if contracted. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially since shingles can lead to complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, which results in lingering pain even after the rash has healed. Additionally, maintaining a healthy immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest can play a significant role in minimizing the risk of shingles.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in several vital functions in the human body. It is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Naturally occurring in animal products, the vitamin can be found in high concentrations in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, making it particularly important for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as plant-based sources of B12 are limited and often require supplementation.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to serious health issues, including anemia, fatigue, memory problems, and nerve damage. Due to its significance, it's crucial for individuals, particularly those at risk of deficiency, to ensure adequate intake through diet or supplementation. For most adults, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is around 2.4 micrograms, though pregnant or breastfeeding women may require higher amounts. If you're considering B12 supplements, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best option for your specific needs and health status.
Based on user reviews, the time it takes to see results from taking supplements for shingles can vary. Some users have reported immediate benefits, mentioning that the supplements help with nervous system recovery during their shingles treatment (see review id='79b9be06-aa99-4604-a14a-cda0525a377c'). Others have noted that the supplements serve as an important aid and support for recovery, suggesting that while some improvements may be felt soon after starting the supplement, consistent use is critical for ongoing benefits (see review id='93d24868-dea2-46e2-ab67-9932f99ea868').
The use of vitamin B12, particularly in the form of methylcobalamin, has garnered attention in scientific research as a potential aid for those suffering from shingles-related pain. Several studies have indicated that local injections of vitamin B12 combined with lidocaine can lead to significant pain relief in patients experiencing acute herpetic neuralgia. For instance, one clinical trial demonstrated that patients receiving local methylcobalamin injections reported a considerable drop in pain scores, from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, over four weeks, and showed less reliance on additional pain relief medications [1]. Another study involving the combination of vitamin B12 and lidocaine found improved healing of skin rashes and marked pain reduction when administered within the first week of symptoms [4].
Furthermore, a review of randomized trials concluded that vitamin B12 supplementation positively impacts pain levels for individuals facing postherpetic neuralgia, with pain scores decreasing by around four points compared to those on placebo [2]. This collection of data supports the notion that vitamin B12, especially through localized delivery methods, can play a significant role in managing shingles discomfort. While the efficacy of oral vitamin B12 appears to be less potent than local injections, these studies collectively suggest that vitamin B12, particularly when used in conjunction with other treatments, offers a valuable avenue for alleviating shingles-related pain.
Users report a range of improvements in symptoms related to shingles, highlighting the role of certain supplements in their recovery processes. For instance, one user noted that healthy, tasty candies have become a vital component for their children both for prevention and treatment during illness, suggesting that these products significantly aid in their overall health when unwell Read Review. Another individual emphasized that B-12 supplements were crucial for their nervous system recovery during hospital treatment, and they have continued taking it to prevent further neuralgia, indicating a strong connection between B-12 and symptom relief Read Review.
Additionally, there's anecdotal evidence that certain supplements not only aid recovery but also contribute positively to the overall experience of managing shingles symptoms. A caregiver indicated that the candies were effective in supporting their mother’s nervous system recovery, finding the product’s effects to be excellent Read Review. Overall, while individual results can vary widely, many users have found certain supplements beneficial for both enhancing recovery and preventing future issues related to shingles Read Review.
Users have reported positive outcomes when combining certain supplements for handling shingles, particularly with B-12 and healthy candy-like products. One user noted that during their shingles treatment in the hospital, B-12 was essential for their nervous system recovery, leading them to continue using the supplement to help prevent further issues such as neuralgia Read Review. This suggests that B-12 plays a significant role in managing symptoms and supporting recovery processes.
Additionally, another user mentioned that tasty, healthy candies proved beneficial for their children, being utilized for both prevention and treatment of shingles Read Review. The caregiver of a shingles patient echoed this sentiment, highlighting how these candies effectively aided their mother's nervous system recovery, indicating a synergistic effect when combined with traditional recovery methods Read Review. Overall, users emphasize that integrating various supplements can enhance their overall management of shingles symptoms and recovery.
Research indicates that the optimal dose of vitamin B12 for treating shingles, specifically using the form methylcobalamin, is best administered via local injections. In various studies, such as the one involving local injections of methylcobalamin and lidocaine, patients reported significant pain relief, highlighting that local delivery is key to maximizing effectiveness. One study showed pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8 after treatment, demonstrating the potential of this method ([1]).
Moreover, combining methylcobalamin with lidocaine resulted in improved outcomes in pain management and quality of life for patients suffering from shingles-related pain. While instances of oral or systemic vitamin B12 use were explored, the research consistently suggests that local injections provide the most significant therapeutic benefits. Therefore, if you are considering vitamin B12 for shingles treatment, focusing on localized injections of methylcobalamin is likely the most effective approach ([6]).
9
Prevention and treatment
Excellent! These tasty, healthy candies are wonderful for my children. We use them for both prevention and treatment of shingles, making them a vital component when the children are unwell.
7.5
Essential for recovery
Wonderful! During my shingles treatment at the hospital, I was prescribed B-12, an essential vitamin for nervous system recovery. I've been taking B-12 supplements ever since and will continue to do so to prevent neuralgia.
7.5
Helps nervous system
The taste is sweet. My mother has shingles, and eating this together aids her nervous system recovery. Its effects and efficacy are excellent.
6
Occasional use noted
Good product. Nice taste. I need it occasionally, especially for shingles, and it serves its purpose well.
9
Local B12 injections reduce shingles pain
Local Administration of Methylcobalamin for Subacute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial.
We conducted a clinical trial to determine how effective local injections of vitamin B12, specifically methylcobalamin, combined with lidocaine, are in treating pain caused by shingles, known as subacute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia (SOHN). One hundred and five patients participated, each experiencing moderate to severe pain. They were divided into three groups to receive different treatments: a local injection of methylcobalamin and lidocaine, an intramuscular injection of methylcobalamin with local lidocaine, or oral methylcobalamin alongside local lidocaine.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
9
Vitamin B12 reduces shingles pain
Local Administration of Methylcobalamin and Lidocaine for Acute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.
We investigated the effects of a combination of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and lidocaine on acute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia, commonly known as shingles. The study involved 98 patients who were divided into two groups based on when their shingles symptoms began—those with symptoms for three days or less and those between four to seven days. Each group was further split into a control group receiving standard treatments and a treatment group receiving the combination therapy locally for a duration of 14 days.
Our findings revealed that the combination treatment significantly reduced pain and improved healing compared to the control group. Specifically, patients who received the methylcobalamin and lidocaine mixture experienced faster healing of skin rashes and marked reductions in pain levels. Notably, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication after shingles, was also much lower in those receiving the combination treatment, reaching just 2.04% at three months.
This suggests that using vitamin B12 along with lidocaine could be a promising therapeutic option for people suffering from shingles, particularly if applied within the first week of symptom onset. The results highlight not just the treatment’s efficacy in relieving pain but also its potential to enhance overall recovery from this challenging condition.
8
Vitamin B12 aids shingles pain relief
Vitamin B12 for herpetic neuralgia: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
We conducted a review of randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of vitamin B12 in treating postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful condition following shingles. Our analysis included data from databases such as PubMed and Cochrane Library, focusing specifically on trials that measured pain relief outcomes.
Our findings indicate that vitamin B12 supplementation has a significant positive effect on reducing pain levels in PHN patients. In fact, those who received vitamin B12 experienced a notable decrease in pain compared to those on placebo, with a reduction in the pain score of about four points. This result suggests that vitamin B12 not only helps with pain relief but also enhances overall quality of life for individuals suffering from this distressing condition.
Additionally, we observed a drop in the number of patients relying on analgesics, pointing to a potential alternative treatment avenue with vitamin B12. Although the evidence is moderate in quality, it presents a compelling case for the use of vitamin B12 as a complementary therapy for managing pain associated with shingles.
9
Methylcobalamin injections relieve shingles pain
A single-center randomized controlled trial of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute herpetic neuralgia.
We conducted a study to see how effective local injections of methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, could be in easing pain and enhancing quality of life for people suffering from subacute herpetic neuralgia, a painful condition related to shingles.
Ninety-eight participants over the age of 50, all experiencing significant pain after a shingles rash, were involved in this randomized controlled trial. They received either local methylcobalamin injections, oral methylcobalamin, or lidocaine injections over a four-week period, and we measured various pain levels and quality of life indicators pre- and post-treatment.
The results showed that local methylcobalamin injections significantly reduced overall pain and other pain-related symptoms compared to the other groups. Notably, many participants reported a marked improvement in their daily living activities and overall quality of life. However, it is important to note that oral methylcobalamin did not lead to significant pain relief, which highlights the advantage of local injections over oral treatments in this case.
Overall, we observed that local methylcobalamin injections appear to be an effective and well-tolerated option for treating pain associated with shingles.
References
Xu G, Zhou CS, Tang WZ, Xu J, Xu G, et al. Local Administration of Methylcobalamin for Subacute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial. Pain Pract. 2020;20:838. 10.1111/papr.12909
Wang JY, Wu YH, Liu SJ, Lin YS, Lu PH. Vitamin B12 for herpetic neuralgia: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:277. 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.10.014
Xǔ G, Xu S, Tang WZ, Xú G, Cheng C, et al. Local Injection of Methylcobalamin Combined with Lidocaine for Acute Herpetic Neuralgia. Pain Med. 2016;17:572.
X G, Xu S, Cheng C, Xú G, Tang WZ, et al. Local Administration of Methylcobalamin and Lidocaine for Acute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Pract. 2016;16:869. 10.1111/papr.12328
Xu G, Lv ZW, Xu GX, Tang WZ. Thiamine, cobalamin, locally injected alone or combination for herpetic itching: a single-center randomized controlled trial. Clin J Pain. 2014;30:269. 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3182a0e085
Xu G, Lv ZW, Feng Y, Tang WZ, Xu GX. A single-center randomized controlled trial of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute herpetic neuralgia. Pain Med. 2013;14:884. 10.1111/pme.12081
Dehara K, Takeda S, Nakamizo N, Morimoto F, Ikeda T, et al. [Herpes zoster of the right cervical region associated with right facial nerve palsy and hoarseness]. Masui. 1992;41:1322.