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.

Recommended Related to Multiple Sclerosis

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

A person with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) may first see a doctor because of leg weakness or trouble walking. Those are the most common symptoms of this type of MS.Once it starts, PPMS gets worse over time. How fast it happens or how much disability a person will have varies a lot, so it’s hard to predict. Unlike some other types of MS, there are no relapses or remissions.Ten percent to 15% of people with multiple sclerosis have this type of the disease. They usually get their...

Read the Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis article > >

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

In this article