How is phantom pain treated with medications?

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter analgesics such as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications block the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and swelling. Acetaminophen elevates the pain threshold so you perceive less pain. Other pain medications are the same as in other pain syndromes and include anti-seizure drugs, low dose tricyclic antidepressants, Neuroleptics or anti-psychotic drugs may be used to change the mechanisms of pain. Sometimes surgery is necessary for managing phantom limb pain with deep brain stimulators, although long-term outcomes are not favorable. The most important way to end phantom limb pain is to call your doctor. Give your doctor detailed information about your pain and try different pain modalities until you find the one that works best for your situation.