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:

• Non-prescription pain relievers. These include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofen (such as Advil), and naproxen (such as Aleve).
• Amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Impril), or nortriptyline, for burning sensations.
• Cannabidiol (Sativex).
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol).
• Gabapentin (Neurontin). This drug may also help relieve muscle stiffness and tightness (spasticity).
• Phenytoin (Dilantin).
• Pregabalin (Lyrica).

Health Canada has approved the use of cannabidiol (Sativex) for treatment of pain caused by MS. 

 Cannabidiol is made from extracts of the cannabis (marijuana) plant and is taken as a spray into the mouth.

Canada was the first country in the world to approve a cannabis-based spray for treatment of pain caused by MS.

Pain that does not respond to these medicines can sometimes be treated with an injection of long-acting anesthetic.

• Related Information

Last Revised: April 17, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine & Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology

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Multiple Sclerosis: Pain Medicines

Related Information

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Pain Management

• Topic Overview
• Credits

Last Revised: April 17, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine & Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology

 Source:
Multiple Sclerosis: Pain Medicines

 http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kb/content/special/aa112271.html