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TREATMENTS & MEDICATIONS
- BLADDER PROBLEMS
- Ciprofloxacin [Cipro] (Urinary tract infections)
Clonidine
[Catapress] (Urinary Antispasmodic)
Desmopressin
[DDAVP](Urinary Suppressan)
Flavoxate [Urispas] (Urinary
Antispasmodic)
Imipramine [Tofranil] (Urinary
Antispasmodic)
Nitrofurantoin [Macrodantin] (Urinary tract
infections)
Oxybutynin [Ditropan] (Urinary
Antispasmodic)
Propatheline
[Pro-Banthine](Anticholinergic)
Terazosin [Hytrin] (Urinary
Antispasmodic)
- DEPRESSION
- Amitriptyline [Elavil] (Tricyclic Antidepressant)
Bupropion
[Wellbutrin] (Depression}
Fluoxetine [Prozac]
(SSRI)
Imipramine [Tofranil] (Antidepressant)
Nortriptyline
[Aventyl] (Tricyclic Antidepressant)
Paroxetine [Paxil]
(SSRI)
Sertraline [Zoloft] (SSRI)
Venlafaxine [Effexor]
(Depression)
- FATIGUE
- Amantadine [Symmetrel] (CNS
Stimulant/Fatigue)
Methylphenidate [Ritalin]
(Stimulant/Fatigue)
Pemoline [Cylert]
(Stimulant/Fatigue)
Provigil [Modafinil]
(Narcolepsy)
- PAIN
- Amitriptyline [Elavil] (Tricyclic
Antidepressant)
Carbamazepine [Tegretol]
(Anticonvulsant)
Clonazepam [Klonopin]
(Pain)
Cyclobenzaprine [Flexeril] (Muscle
Relaxant)
Gabapentin [Neurontin]
(Anticonvulsant)
Methocarbamol [Robaxin] (Muscle
Relaxant)
Nortriptyline [Pamelor] (Pain)
Phenytoin
[Dilantin] (Anticonvulsant)
- SPASTICITY
- Baclofen [Lioresal] (Muscle Relaxant)
Clonazepam [Klonopin]
(Spasticity)
Dantrolene [Dantrium] (Muscle
Relaxant)
Diazepam [Valium] (Muscle Relaxant)
Gabapentin
[Neurontin] (Spasticity)
Lorazepam [Ativan] (Muscle
Relaxant)
Tizanidine [Zanaflex] (Alpha Blocker)
- TREMOR
- Acetazolamide [Dimox] (Carbonic Anhydrase
Inhibitor)
Clonazepam [Klonopin] (Tremor)
Isoniazid
[Isoniazid] (Antibiotic)
Primidone [Mysoline]
(Anticonvulsant)
Propranolol [Inderal] (Beta
Blocker)
- VERTIGO
- Cyclizine [Marezine]
Diazepam [Valium]
Dimenhydrinate
[Gravol]
Meclizine [Antivert]
Ondansetron
[Zofran]
Treatment for Exacerbations
Depo-Medrol, Dexamethazone, Betamethasone, and
Prednisolone
- The above are corticosteroids used to reduce inflammation in
different areas of the body. These medications are usually
administered intravenously with a protocol of 3 to 5 days. This
treatment is normally followed by a tapering dose of oral steriod
for acute exacerbations.
- Prednisone
- Relieves inflammation in various parts of the body. Prednisone
is used in acute exacerbations and is normally given in
conjunction with an intravenous treatment.
DISEASE MODIFYING DRUGS
- Avonex
- Avonex is an interferon (type of protein) medication. It has
been shown to manage Relapsing Remitting MS by slowing progression
of disability as well as reducing the number of annual
exacerbations. Avonex is injected intramuscularly once a week in
the muscles of the thigh, upper arm or hip and recommended that
the injection be taken at bedtime. Common side effects are
flu-like symptoms (fatigue, muscle aches, fever, sweating, and
chills). Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to injection and
during the 24 hours following the injection helps to ease side
effects. For further information, visit the Avonex website. The Avonex
support line is (800) 456-2255.
- Betaseron
- Betaseron is an Interferon medication (type of protein). It
has been shown to manage Relapsing Remitting MS by slowing
progression of disability and reducing the number of annual
exacerbations. Betaseron is injected subcutaneously (under the
skin) every other day. Common side effects are flu-like symptoms
(fatigue, muscle aches, fever, sweating, and chills). The use
acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to injecting will help relieve
these side effects. Injection site reactions (redness, pain,
swelling, and discoloration) are also common. It's recommended
that injection sites be rotated. For further information, visit
the Betaseron website. The
Betaseron support line is (800) 788-1467.
- Copaxone
- Copaxone is a synthetic protein that simulates myelin basic
protein. It has been shown to manage Relapsing Remitting MS by
reducing the number of annual exacerbations. Copaxone is injected
subcutaneously (under the skin) once a day. Common side effects
are injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, tenderness,
itching at the injection site, and lump development), flushing or
chest tightness, heart palpitations, fatigue, weakness, and
tremor. It is recommended that injection sites be rotated. For
further information, visit the Copaxone website. The Copaxone
support line is (800) 887-8100.
- Novantrone
- Novantrone is part of a variety of medications called
antineoplastics. Novantrone suppresses the activity of T cells, B
cells, and macrophages. It has been shown to help manage
secondary-progressive and progressive-relapsing MS by reducing the
number of exacerbations. Novantrone is administered intravenously
once every three months for a 24 month period. Novantrone is
limited to eight to twelve doses over a two to three year period.
Common side effects are nausea, temporary hair loss, and menstrual
disorders in women. For further information, visit the Immunex
website.
- Rebif
- Rebif is an interferon medication. It has been shown to manage
Relapsing Remitting MS by slowing progression of disability and
reducing the number of annual exacerbations. Rebif is injected
subcutaneously (under the skin) three times per week. Rebif
currently has two dosages that can be given - either 22 mcg or 44
mcg. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms (fatigue,
muscle aches, fever, sweating, and chills). Taking acetaminophen
or ibuprofen prior to injection helps to ease side effects. For
further information, visit the Rebif website.
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