Multiple Sclerosis: Pain Medicines
Topic Overview
Pain is a frequent problem for people who have
multiple sclerosis (MS). Medicines that may be used
to bring relief include:
- Nonprescription pain relievers. These include
acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofen (such as Advil), and naproxen (such as Aleve).
-
Amitriptyline, imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor), for burning sensations.
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol).
- Gabapentin (Neurontin). This drug may also help relieve
muscle stiffness and tightness (spasticity).
- Phenytoin
(Dilantin).
- Pregabalin (Lyrica).
Pain that does not respond to these medicines can sometimes be
treated with an injection of long-acting anesthetic.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology |
|
Last Revised
|
February 15, 2012 |
Last Revised:
February 15, 2012