What Can I Buy Over the Counter for Neuropathy?

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

An estimated 3 to 17% of the population suffers from neuropathy, a condition where damaged nerves cause tingling, numbness, and pain. For those seeking relief, the question often arises: what can I buy over the counter for neuropathy to alleviate these frustrating symptoms?

Quick Summary

This guide details over-the-counter neuropathy treatments, including topical analgesics like lidocaine and capsaicin, and oral supplements such as alpha-lipoic acid and B vitamins for nerve health. It also compares the effectiveness of different options.

Key Points

Topical Relief: Lidocaine and capsaicin creams and patches can offer targeted, localized relief for peripheral neuropathy.
Supplemental Support: Supplements like Alpha-Lipoic Acid and a B-complex are vital for nerve health, particularly in cases of deficiency, but take time to work.
Ineffective Oral Painkillers: Common OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are generally not effective for true neuropathic pain and are not recommended as a primary treatment.
Doctor's Consultation is Key: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new OTC treatments to diagnose the underlying cause and avoid potential complications or side effects.
Be Patient with Supplements: Supplements like ALA and B vitamins require consistent, long-term use (weeks to months) before noticeable relief may be experienced.
Watch for Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects, such as the initial burning sensation from capsaicin or digestive issues from magnesium, and consult a doctor if severe side effects occur.

Understanding Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy, or nerve pain, is distinct from regular pain signals because it originates from a malfunction or damage to the nerve itself. This can lead to persistent and often severe sensations like burning, stabbing, or tingling, which common oral pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs are generally not designed to treat effectively. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause, and for milder cases, several over-the-counter (OTC) options are available.

OTC Topical Creams, Gels, and Patches

Topical products offer targeted relief by being applied directly to the affected area, minimizing systemic side effects. They are a popular choice for localized peripheral neuropathy.

Lidocaine

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that numbs the area it is applied to by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain.

How it's used: Lidocaine is available as creams, gels, and patches. OTC patches are a convenient way to apply consistent, long-lasting relief to a specific spot.
Effectiveness: Provides temporary numbing relief for pain near the skin's surface.
Considerations: Temporary, may cause minor skin irritation. Be cautious not to apply excessive heat or tightly bandage the area.

Capsaicin

Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin works by desensitizing nerve endings and interfering with pain signal transmission over time.

How it's used: Capsaicin is available in low-dose creams. For best results, it requires repeated, consistent application over several weeks.
Effectiveness: Requires patience; the initial application may cause a temporary burning sensation that typically fades with repeated use.
Considerations: The initial burn can be uncomfortable. Wash hands thoroughly after application to avoid contact with eyes or other sensitive areas.

Menthol

Menthol, a compound found in mint plants, creates a cooling sensation that distracts the brain from nerve pain.

How it's used: Available in creams, gels, and roll-ons, often combined with other topical ingredients like lidocaine.
Effectiveness: Offers fast-acting, though temporary, distraction from minor nerve pain.
Considerations: High concentrations of menthol can cause burns and should be used with caution.

Oral Supplements for Nerve Support

For a more systemic approach to nerve health, certain dietary supplements can be beneficial, especially if a deficiency is the root cause of neuropathy. Always consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

ALA is a powerful antioxidant that has been studied for its potential to improve nerve function and reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Considerations: Should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. May lower blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes should monitor their glucose closely.

B Vitamins (B1, B6, B12)

B vitamins are essential for nerve health, and deficiencies can directly cause neuropathy.

Roles: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) aids in cellular energy for nerves. Vitamin B6 helps regulate neurotransmitters and protects nerve endings. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the myelin sheath that insulates nerves.
Considerations: High intake of Vitamin B6 can be toxic and actually cause nerve damage. A balanced B-complex supplement is a safer option.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a role in nerve signaling and can help calm overactive nerve impulses.

Effectiveness: Studies on magnesium for neuropathic pain have yielded mixed results, but low magnesium levels are common in people with diabetes and may contribute to neuropathy.
Considerations: Magnesium glycinate is often recommended for better absorption and a calming effect.

Comparing OTC Neuropathy Options


Option	Mechanism of Action	Speed of Relief	Best For	Considerations	Potential Side Effects
Topical Lidocaine	Blocks nerve signals locally	Fast (minutes to hours)	Localized pain near the skin's surface	Temporary effect, don't use on large areas or broken skin	Skin irritation, itching, numbing
Topical Capsaicin	Desensitizes nerve endings over time	Gradual (weeks of consistent use)	Persistent burning, tingling pain	Initial burning sensation, requires regular application	Skin irritation, redness, burning
Oral ALA	Antioxidant, improves nerve function	Long-term (weeks to months)	Diabetic neuropathy	Must be taken consistently, monitor blood sugar	Stomach upset, nausea
Oral B Vitamins	Supports nerve health & regeneration	Long-term (weeks to months)	Deficiency-related neuropathy	Crucial to avoid excessive B6 intake	Nerve damage with excessive B6

General OTC Pain Relievers: Are They Enough?

Many people with nerve pain first reach for general oral pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen. However, these are often not the most effective solution for neuropathic pain because they are primarily designed to address pain from inflammation or tissue damage, not nerve damage directly. While they may provide some modest relief in mild cases, they are not typically recommended as the primary treatment for chronic neuropathic pain.

Important Considerations and When to See a Doctor

Self-treating neuropathy with OTC medications and supplements should always be done with caution. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of the neuropathy. Some conditions, like diabetes, require careful management and can be worsened if not treated properly. A doctor can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include a combination of prescription medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, in addition to safe OTC options. If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or include new numbness or weakness, seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

For those wondering what can I buy over the counter for neuropathy, a variety of options exist that can provide supplemental relief. Topical products containing lidocaine or capsaicin can offer targeted, localized relief, while oral supplements like Alpha-Lipoic Acid and B vitamins may support overall nerve health, especially in cases of nutritional deficiency. However, it is essential to understand that OTC products are not a substitute for a proper medical diagnosis and treatment plan. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you are choosing a safe and effective option for your specific condition. Combining appropriate OTC options with medical supervision can lead to better symptom management and a higher quality of life. For further reading on the role of B vitamins, review research from institutions like the National Institutes of Health.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8294980/)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are generally not very effective for true neuropathic pain. They primarily target pain from inflammation or injury, not the kind that originates from damaged nerves.

Topical creams, gels, and patches work locally by being applied directly to the painful area. Ingredients like lidocaine provide temporary numbing, while capsaicin desensitizes nerve endings over time with repeated use.

Supplements for nerve support, such as Alpha-Lipoic Acid, are not fast-acting. It can take several weeks or even months of consistent daily use to potentially see an improvement in neuropathic symptoms.

Topical creams can be a safe adjunctive therapy, but it is always best to consult a healthcare professional first. For instance, high-concentration capsaicin patches are often used alongside oral medications for chronic nerve pain.

Yes, deficiencies in certain B vitamins, particularly B12, can be a cause of peripheral neuropathy. In these cases, supplementation can help treat and manage the condition.

Magnesium is important for proper nerve signaling and function. Some studies suggest supplementation can have neuroprotective effects, but research on its effectiveness for neuropathic pain has yielded mixed results.

Look for supplements with a third-party certification seal, such as from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). This ensures the product meets strict standards for quality and purity.