Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): A Natural Treatment for Intractable Pain
/By Dr. Forest Tennant and Ingrid Hollis
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring biochemical produced by the body for pain and inflammation control. It is also available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement.
This article is presented with our belief that essentially every person with intractable pain should try a PEA supplement in a therapeutic trial. Several companies market PEA supplements and researchers have determined effective dosages.
PEA is the only medicinal that simultaneously fights inflammation at the site of an injury, as well as neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). It helps heal damaged glial cells that are responsible for intractable or constant pain.
About two dozen double-blind clinical studies have shown that PEA is more than just a placebo. German researchers say PEA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for hundreds of patients with chronic pain.
Our experience is not as extensive, but we have found that about 80% of patients experience good results if PEA is used for four to six weeks, providing relief for both chronic and intractable pain. In most patients, PEA progressively wears down baseline pain.
Starting dosage is 600 to 1200 mg twice a day. This dosage can be increased if needed.
Some PEA products contain luteolin, a polyphenol found in many fruits, vegetables and herbs that has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This is excellent as luteolin boosts the effectiveness of PEA, and also helps prevent the reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus.
One can simply add PEA to their current pain relief program. Opioids and other pain medications need not be stopped.
No serious side effects have been reported from taking PEA. As a natural biochemical, it is quite safe to take.
If you have chronic or intractable pain, try a 1-to-2-month therapeutic trial of PEA. You have much to gain and nothing to lose.
Forest Tennant, MD, DrPH, is retired from clinical practice but continues his research on the treatment of intractable pain and arachnoiditis. Readers interested in learning more about his research should visit the Tennant Foundation’s website, Arachnoiditis Hope. You can subscribe to its bulletins here.
Ingrid Hollis is a person in pain, patient advocate, and advisor to the Tennant Foundation.
The Tennant Foundation gives financial support to Pain News Network and sponsors PNN’s Patient Resources section.
