pain---What di I do

[TEXASRON]

I am a recovering addict for over 3 years. Totally narcotic free. Narcotics Anonymous has saved my life. Just under 3 years ago I was diagnosed with MS. Now I am in severe pain at times in the legs. What can I take or do to lessen the pain that is not an opiate. I am struggling and hurting all at once

[essdipity]

Has your neurologist identified the cause of your leg pain? If it's neuropathic, he may prescribe Lyrica or Neurontin, as well as one of the tricyclic antidepressants, which also can help with pain. If you have spasticity, there are meds for that as well. None of these are narcotics or associated with addiction. Please talk to your neurologist. There's an excellent chance of getting at least some pain relief.

I think it's great that you're drug-free and want to stay that way. Dealing with MS, on top of that, must be very rough. Why not come over to the MS user forum, where you'll find good information and lots of support. You'll be very welcome.

ess

[Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD]

Dear TEXASRON,

There are many medications (off-label) that we neurologists use and I would suggest talking to your neurologist about them.

I obviously cannot recommend off-label medications on this site, but I can say that we generally use medications from various classes, such as antidepressants and antiepileptic medications.

Opiates are a bad choice because they kill (cause apoptosis) interneurons and can increase pain over the long-term and cause fibromyalgia-like pain.

I hope you feel better soon and congratulations on coming off narcotics!

--
Daniel Kantor, MD
Director, Comprehensive MS Center
University of Florida & Shands Jacksonville