Following the active treatment phase, participants will be given a blood test and started on a three month maintenance phase. Oral medication is continued and participants make monthly visits to the study nurse. Possible side effects that might require medication adjustment include constipation, nausea, or drowsiness. The study medication will be adjusted for optimal pain relief with minimal side effects. Participants will be able to use over the counter drugs such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen as needed during the study.
Participants are free to withdraw from the study at any time.
Participants will receive free consultation and remain under close supervision throughout the study period. Participants will be compensated for travel expenses to all appointments. The study medication and any procedures done for the purposes of the study will be free of charge. At the end of the study, participants will have the option of continuing on the study medication. This study will help determine how to effectively use medication and behavioral therapy to reduce SCI-related pain, disability, and handicap.