From what I am reading from searches, you are likely experiencing two issues: ciprofloxacin-induced GABA receptor inhibition or NMDA receptor activation — both effect neuropathy.
Some things that are used to manage that resulting neurotransmitter imbalance:
Discontinuation of ciprofloxacin: Recovery can be slow or incomplete.
GABA support: Some use supplemental GABA, magnesium, or benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam) to enhance GABAergic activity and reduce neuronal excitability, though evidence is largely anecdotal.
Magnesium supplementation: May help restore the magnesium block of NMDA receptors, potentially reducing excitotoxicity.
Antioxidants and mitochondrial support: Given the role of oxidative stress in fluoroquinolone toxicity, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), CoQ10, and B vitamins are sometimes used.
Gut-brain axis support: Prebiotics may help restore microbial balance, indirectly supporting neurotransmitter regulation.
For tendon or tissue-related issues, which others get, these are caused by disruption of collagen synthesis (stoppage of new tissue generation) and increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity (an increase in what naturally breaks down tissue). This affects skin thickness and tendons, which rely on a couple different collagens (Type 1, overwhelmingly, and a little Type 3). (Joints use Type 2 collagen.)
There is also elastin that can help structurally with tissue rebuilding, but the only decent supplement I’ve found, is one we just recently started taking. It’s called “Elastin F.” It’s in “LABO Nutrition VesseCLEAR EX.”
I will say collagens we have been taking have helped a tendon issue (Achilles) and some internal and external tissues (primarily with skin surgery). These have studies available, as well. They are in “Sparkle Wellness FORTIGEL & TENDOFORTE Collagen Peptides / Collagen Powder” (TENDONFORTE is the tendon-tested component and the other is for joints) and Costco’s “Trunature Verisol Collagen Powder” (Verisol is the tested one—for skin tissue-type rebuilding).
The studies for the collagen show benefit within months. It appears stoppage keeps the benefit for some time, so these are semi-permanent changes.
Foods and supplements that curb the tissue breakdown by MMP include:
Flavonoids:
- Quercetin (onions, apples, berries, capers)
- Kaempferol (tea, broccoli, grapes)
- Luteolin (celery, parsley, artichokes)
- Myricetin (berries, tea, nuts)
- Apigenin (parsley, celery, chamomile)
Polyphenols and stilbenes:
- Resveratrol (grapes, red wine, berries)
- Pterostilbene (blueberries, grapes)
- EGCG (green tea)
- Oxyresveratrol (coconut shell waste)
Other plant-derived compounds:
- Sulforaphane (broccoli, cabbage)
- Curcumin (turmeric)
- Baicalein (Scutellaria root)
- Genistein (soy products)
- Silibinin (milk thistle)
- Eckol and dieckol (brown seaweed)
Foods supporting collagen synthesis:
- Vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli)
- Collagen/gelatin sources (bone broth, chicken skin, fish)
- Zinc-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, oysters, beef)
- Copper-rich foods (nuts, seeds, shellfish)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts)
Our daily vitamin and supplement regimen includes several of these mentioned. NAC, Co-Q10, magnesium, quercetin, turmeric, green tea, omega-3, zinc, vitamin C, and B vitamins, plus others (D3, K, and a few others). This is off the top of my head. I don’t have the complete list in front of me, but it’s quite a few.
Thanks so much. I’m using collagen, about 4 months. No difference yet except my fingernails grow like crazy.
There is another item we just started taking, last month. It does not directly block MMP, but it does stimulate new collagen creation but only somewhat reduces collagen degradation. It’s called “Biosil (choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid, ch-OSA®).”
Wow! Thank you. That’s a treasure trove of information. Hopefully this is a temporary thing.
Thanks again FRiend.