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). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- 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).
Some forms of natural or man-made substances related to marijuana, called cannabinoids, may help relieve pain.
Pain that does not respond to these medicines can sometimes be treated with an injection of long-acting anesthetic.
Related Information
References
Other Works Consulted
- Koppel B, et al. (2014). Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic conditions. Neurology, 82(17): 1556-1563. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000000363. Accessed January 12, 2016.
- Yadav V, et al. (2014). Summary of evidence-based guideline: Complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis: Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 82(12): 1083-1092.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
Current as ofFebruary 16, 2018
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