People afflicted with fibromyalgia, low back pain, Osteoarthritis and other conditions may find relief by taking Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). As a proponent of experimentation in pain management approaches, I initiated an investigation into the effects of PEA to see if it can assist pain control. Doctor Forrest Tennant, an expert in this field who has developed a self-help protocol for Adhesive Arachnoiditis (AA), suggested the use of PEA. After extensive research, I found evidence indicating that PEA may be effective as part of a broader pain management strategy. I decided to give it a try considering there have been no major reported side effects besides nausea. Today is day one. I have decided to start with a low dose 300mg in the morning and 300 mg at night.
Check out this great article from iherb.com I have included some of the article below. It was truly a great read.
PEA Positive Clinical Benefits in Conditions Associated with Pain
- Low back pain
- Sciatic pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathies – diabetic neuropathy & chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
- Neuropathic pain – related to stroke & multiple sclerosis
- Dental pain
- Chronic pelvic and vaginal pain
- Postherpetic neuralgia
Several studies with PEA have used it in combination with standard drug therapy. For example, in the treatment of fibromyalgia, a syndrome characterized by persistent pain, depression, and poor sleep quality when PEA was combined with an antidepressant and pentagabin (Neurontin) compared to those on the drug approach alone, those receiving the PEA showed a greater than 50% lower score for fibromyalgia symptoms including pain. The researchers concluded “Our study confirms… the added benefit and safety of PEA in the treatment of pain in patients affected by fibromyalgia.”
In regard to PEA’s antidepressant effects, this was proven in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study. PEA was used as an “add on” therapy to the drug citalopram (Celexa), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in patients with major depressive disorder. The 54 patients were randomized to receive either PEA (600 mg twice daily) or placebo in addition to citalopram for six weeks. Results showed a greater reduction in depression scores with PEA that were apparent after only 2 weeks of use. Thus, PEA exerts a rapid antidepressant effect. The advantage with PEA compared to the placebo group was evident throughout the trial period. At the end of the trial 100% of the patients in the PEA group experienced a ≥ 50% reduction in their depression score compared to 74% in the group taking only the antidepressant drug.
PEA also exerts a multitude of effects in models of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
What is the Recommended Dosage of PEA?
Most studies used a dosage of 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg daily. The exception is in depression where the dosage used is 600 mg twice daily.
Are There Any Side Effects or Safety Issues?
PEA is completely safe and nontoxic in No significant treatment-related adverse effect with PEA has been noted in clinical trials in humans. There are no known drug interactions with PEA.
Based on the information I have found, it seems that palmitoylethanolamide PEA could be a helpful supplement for pain and inflammation. I am willing to try it for a month to see if it helps with my chronic pain. I will write about my experience and share any results with my readers. As always, speak to a medical professional about any changes in your diet, exercise and medication changes.
This blog has not been approved by your local health department and is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice.
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