Levetiracetam in Central Pain in Multiple Sclerosis(MS)

Double-blind, Randomised,Placebo-controlled Trial of Levetiracetam in Central Pain in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is often associated with pain. There is no standard treatment of this type of pain. Levetiracetam is a new anticonvulsant and it is the hypothesis that it could relieve central pain in multiple sclerosis. This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial on the effect of levetiracetam 3000 mg daily on pain in multiple sclerosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ms diagnosis verified
• age > 18 years
• central pain symptoms for more than 3 months
• central pain diagnosis confirmed by neurological examination
• adequate anticonceptive treatment for women with child bearing potential
• informed consent
• baseline pain of more than 4 on numeric rating scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• other cause of pain
• previous allergic reaction towards levetiracetam
• known adverse drug reaction on levetiracetam
• pregnancy
• severe disease
• inability to follow study protocol
• treatment with antidepressants, other anticonvulsants or opioids