Your doctor may also be able to recommend helpful practices or treatments that can decrease the unpleasant feeling of the MS hug.
Side effects of amitriptyline can include skin sensitivity, a dry mouth, difficulty going to the bathroom, and blurred vision. [4] X Research source Side effects of pregabalin are typically mild and can include drowsiness, headache, dizziness and fatigue, and slight weight gain. Do not take pregabalin if you are pregnant. [5] X Research source The type of medication your doctor will prescribe depends on what type of pain you feel. The two most common types are pain due to fraying nerves in your abdomen and pain due to spasms in the muscles located between your ribs. [6] X Research source
In the case of intercostal muscle spasms causing the MS hug pain, your doctor will most likely prescribe a medication like baclofen or gabapentin. People who take baclofen experience side effects about 45% of the time. Side effects include dizziness and fatigue, and having a hard time sleeping. [8] X Research source Side effects for gabapentin are similar and include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. [9] X Research source
Common antidepressants that can decrease MS hug symptoms include amitriptyline[12] X Research source and Duloxetine hydrochloride. [13] X Research source Side effects of amitriptyline include constipation and difficulty urinating, nausea and vomiting, tiredness or dizziness, and blurred vision and unsteadiness. [14] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Side effects of Duloxetine hydrochloride include nausea and vomiting, dizziness and fatigue, constipation, and weakness. See your doctor if you experience any severe side effects including unexplained bleeding or bruising, or abdominal pain. [15] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Your doctor may check your vitamin D levels to see if you need supplements. This is done through a blood test. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You can buy supplements at any drug or health food store. Your doctor can help you determine the best dosage for you.
Methylprednisolone is the most commonly prescribed steroid for MS relapses. Side effects are mild, and are limited to indigestion, mood swings, slight facial flushing, and difficulty sleeping. [19] X Research source
Aim to eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables, like peppers or oranges. Green vegetables, like spinach or kale, are also good. Vegetables high in sulfur, such as broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy, may also help reduce symptoms. You can eat about 4 oz (110 g) of lean meat a day, like chicken or fish. [21] X Research source Reduce or eliminate how much dairy, eggs, and wheat you eat. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you lead a stressful life, you may need to find a way to cut back on stress in general in order to decrease the MS hug symptoms.
Go get a massage. A massage may be effective in helping your symptoms. If there’s something that usually helps you relax, such as music or a bath, try doing it to see if it helps with your symptoms.
If you live in at hot climate, you may need to adjust your schedule so that you spend more time outdoors in the early morning and late evening, before the day reaches its full heat.
Wearing tight clothing will not decrease MS hug symptoms in all MS patients. Experiment with different clothing choices and see what helps the most.
Chest pain, whether on its own or paired with an MS hug, could be a symptom of a heart attack.
