Your body manufactures adequate supplies of acetyl-L-carnitine, or carnitine, which the body uses to change fat into energy. A suggested dietary intake for acetyl-L-carnitine does not exist, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. However, your doctor may recommend supplements to treat medical conditions such as angina, male infertility and Alzheimer's disease. The reported side effects associated with acetyl-L-carnitine range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening. Do not take acetyl-L-carnitine before discussing the risks and benefits with your physician.
Nervous System Dangers
You may experience nervous system side effects associated with acetyl-L-carnitine, such as seizures, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia and vertigo. The frequency and severity of seizures escalate for patients with a history of seizure disorder. Although seizures are more common for individuals with a diagnosed history of seizure disorder, seizure activity has been reported for patients with no preexisting history of seizures. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a seizure or other nervous system side effects while taking acetyl-L-carnitine supplements.
Renal System Dangers
Do not use acetyl-L-carnitine if you receive kidney dialysis treatments or have been diagnosed with any renal health problem, as high doses of the supplement may accumulate in the body of patients with acute kidney disease. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommends that patients on dialysis should not receive acetyl-L-carnitine without a doctor's continued supervision. A wide range of potential side effects varies from reports of increased risk for urinary tract infection to kidney failure.
Gastrointestinal Dangers
Gastrointestinal side effects are common for users of acetyl-L-carnitine. Some of the more commonly reported problems you may experience are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gastritis and taste fatigue. Mayo Clinic indicates that these side effects have been reported by 41 percent of acetyl-L-carnitine users. Gastrointestinal side effects may be minimized by avoiding taking doses too close together, asking your doctor about decreasing the dosage, drinking the liquid form slowly and taking the supplement with meals.
Drug Interactions
Before taking any medication or dietary supplement, tell your doctor about medicines that you use. Many medications have the potential to interact with other medicines by increasing, decreasing or neutralizing their therapeutic effects. Acetyl-L-carnitine interacts with anticoagulant medications such as acenocoumarol, and your doctor may adjust the dose and frequency of one or both medicines if you elect to use acetyl-L-carnitine. Additionally, a risk for drug interactions exists if you take acetyl-L-carnitine with antiseizure or thyroid medications. Discuss your questions and concerns related to acetyl-L-carnitine and drug interactions with your doctor.
Member Comments