Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Doctors use various medications to treat the symptoms of CRPS.

• Pain relievers. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers — such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — may ease mild pain and inflammation.

• Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers if OTC ones aren’t helpful. Opioid medications might be an option. Taken in appropriate doses, they might help control pain.

• Antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Sometimes antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, and anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin), are used to treat pain that originates from a damaged nerve (neuropathic pain).

• Corticosteroids. Steroid medications, such as prednisone, may reduce inflammation and improve mobility in the affected limb.

• Bone-loss medications. Your doctor may suggest medications to prevent or stall bone loss, such as alendronate (Fosamax) and calcitonin (Miacalcin).

• Sympathetic nerve-blocking medication. Injection of an anesthetic to block pain fibers in the affected nerves may relieve pain in some people.

• Intravenous ketamine. Some studies show that low doses of intravenous ketamine, a strong anesthetic, may substantially alleviate pain.