Pain is a frequent problem for people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). Medications that may be used to bring relief include:
- Nonprescription pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium.
- Baclofen (Lioresal).
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol).
- Phenytoin (Dilantin).
- Gabapentin (Neurontin). This drug may also help relieve muscle stiffness and tightness (spasticity).
- Diazepam (Valium).
- Pimozide (Orap), which is effective against facial pain and tics but can produce lethargy and trembling.
- Amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), for burning sensations.
Anti-epilepsy medications (such as carbamazepine or phenytoin) are sometimes combined with antispasticity medications (such as gabapentin) to help relieve pain.
Pain that does not respond to these medications can sometimes be treated with an injection of long-acting anesthetic or radiation therapy.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology |
| Last Updated | February 28, 2008 |
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