Study of Sulfasalazine in Treating Painful Neuropathy

A Single-center, Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effect of Sulfasalazine on Painful Neuropathy

The investigators hypothesize that sulfasalazine, an FDA-approved medication for rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, may be beneficial in neuropathic pain conditions. In this study, the investigators will evaluate whether sulfasalazine improves pain due to painful peripheral neuropathy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Painful neuropathy
• Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument score of 3 or greater
• no obvious alternative explanation for neuropathy
• average baseline pain > 4/10

Exclusion Criteria:

• other severe pain
• anticipated difficulty weaning off medications
• past or current psychiatric disorder as determined by Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview
• medical contraindication to sulfasalazine
• not proficient in English (due to heavy use of questionaires)
• pregnant or breast feeding women