Drugs for Managing MS and Its Symptoms
FDA-Approved Disease Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Patient-Support Contact Information
AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a)
Patient support and information at Avonex Alliance,
(800) 456-2255 or www.avonex.com
BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b)
Patient support and information at MS Pathways,
(800) 788-1467or www.mspathways.com;
www.multiplesclerosis.com
REBIF® (interferon beta-1a)
Patient support and information at MS LifeLines,
(877) 447-3243 or www.MSLifeLines.com
COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate)
Patient support and information at Shared Solutions,
(800) 887-8100 or www.sharedsolutions.com
NOVANTRONE® (mitoxantrone)
Patient support and information at MS LifeLines,
(877) 447-3243 or www.novantrone.com
TYSABRI® (natalizumab)
Patient support and information at (800) 456-2255 or www.tysabri.com
Experimental Disease Modifying Therapies* for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
(*These drugs or procedures are not FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of MS, but are sometimes used when other treatments are not effective.)
- Corticosteroids
- Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide)
- Immunoglobulin
- Imuran® (azathioprine)
- Methotrexate
- Plasma Exchange
- Pulse Solu-Medrol® (IV methylprednisolone)
Please note that MSAA does not endorse or recommend any specific drug or treatment. Individuals are advised to consult with a physician about the potential benefits and risks of the different treatment therapies.
For more information about approved and experimental treatments for MS, please refer to the cover story in MSAA’s Summer 2007 Issue of The Motivator, titled “MS Research Update.”
Exacerbation Management
- Solu-Medrol® (IV methylprednisolone)
- Prednisone
- Decadron® (dexamethasone)
- Medrol® (oral methylprednisolone)
- Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)*
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy*
*Dr. Burks notes that when using these types of therapies for the treatment with MS, the results have been mixed; studies continue to determine the effectiveness of these treatments with MS.
Please note that MSAA does not endorse or recommend any specific drug or treatment. Individuals are advised to consult with a physician about the potential benefits and risks of the different treatment therapies.
Treatments for Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
FATIGUE
- Provigil® (modafinil)
- Symmetrel® (amantidine)
- SSRI antidepressants (Prozac®, Paxil®, Zoloft®)
- Ritalin® (methylphenidate)
- Energizing" tricyclic antidepressants (Vivactil®, Pamelor®)
- Cylert® (pemoline)
SPASTICITY
- Lioresal® (baclofen)
- Zanaflex® (tizantidine)
- Klonopin® (clonazepam)
- Dantrium® (sodium dantrolene)
- Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine HCl)
- Valium® (diazepam)
- Intrathecal baclofen pump
- Botox®/Myobloc® (botulinium toxin)
For Intermittent Spasms(often at night):
- Neurontin® (gabapentin)
- Tegretol® (carbamazepine)
- Eldepryl® (selegiline)
- Sinemet® (L-dopa)
TREMOR
- Inderal® (propranolol)
- Buspar® (buspirone)
- Klonopin® (clonazepam)
- Atarax®, Vistaril® (hydroxyzine)
- Desyrel® (trazodone)
- Diamox® (acetazolamide)
- Mysoline® (pimidone)
- Isoniazid (INH) & pyridoxine
- Brain stimulation surgery
VERTIGO or DIZZINESS
- Antivert® (meclizine)
- Benadryl® (diphenhydramine)
- Dramamine® (dimenhydrinate)
- Scopolamine patch
- Benzodiazepines
- Klonopin® (clonazepam)
- Ativan® (lorazepam)
- Xanax® (alprazolam)
- Serax® (oxazepam)
- Valium® (diazepam)
DEPRESSION
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI):
- Paxil® (paroxetine)
- Prozac® (fluoxetine)
- Zoloft® (sertraline)
- Lexapro® (escitalopram)
- Celexa® (citalopram)
Tricyclic Antidepressants:
- Elavil® (amitriptyline)
- Pamelor® (nortriptyline)
- Tofranil® (imipramine)
- Norpramin® (desipramine)
Other Medications for Depression:
- Desyrel® (trazodone)
- Serzone® (nefazodone)
- Welbutrin® (bupropion HCl)
- Effexor® (venlafaxine)
PAIN
- Neurontin® (gabapentin)
- Lyrica® (pregabalin)
- Tegretol® (carbamazepine)
- Zanaflex® (tizanidine)
- Lioresal® (baclofen)
- Dilantin® (phenytoin)
- Cytotec® (misoprostol)
- Depakote® (valproate)
- Zostrix® (Capsaicin; topical analgesic for dysesthesia, which are uncomfortable sensations such as pins and needles feelings)
BOWEL PROBLEMS
Bulk Forming Agents
- Metamucil®
- FiberCon®
- Fiberall®
- Perdiem Plain® fiber
- Citrucel®
Stool Softeners
- Colace®
- Surfac®
- Chronulac® syrup
Oral Laxatives
- PeriColace®
- Milk of Magnesia®
Suppositories (rectal stimulants)
- Glycerin suppositories
- Ducolax® suppositories
- Therevac enemas
BLADDER PROBLEMS
Anti-spasticity Treatments
- Detrol® (tolterodine tartrate)
- Ditropan® (oxybutynin)
- Ditropan XL® (oxybutynin chloride)
- Zanaflex® (tizanidine)
- Crystospaz®, Levbid®, Levsinex® (hyoscyamine)
- Urispas® (flavoxate hydrochloride)
- Tofranil® (imipramine)
- ProBanthine® (propantheline bromide)
- Intrathecal baclofen pump
Alpha Blockers
- Hytrin® (terazosin)
- Dibenzyline® (phenoxybenzamine)
Antibiotic Bladder Agents
- Macrodantin® (nitrofurantoin)
- Cipro® (ciprofloxacin)
- Septra® (trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole)
Other Bladder Drugs
- Pyridium® (phenazopyridine HCl)
- Urecholine® (bethanechol)
- DDAVP (desmopressin)
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
- Viagra® (sildenafil citrate)
- Cialis® (tadalafil)
- Levitra® (vardenafil HCI)
- MUSE® (prostaglandin)
COGNITIVE CHANGES
- Aricept® (donepezil HCl)
- Possibly other Alzheimer's drugs
Please note that MSAA does not endorse or recommend any specific drug or treatment. Individuals are advised to consult with a physician about the potential benefits and risks of the different treatment therapies.
For more detailed information on managing specific symptoms, please refer to the “Symptom Awareness” columns from the different issues of MSAA’s quarterly publication, The Motivator.
