Medications for pain and abnormal sensations caused by multiple sclerosis

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Medications for pain and abnormal sensations caused by multiple sclerosis

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.

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Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
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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Last updated:	February 28, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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