 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic (lifelong) disease that affects a person's central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease. Instead of fighting off viruses and bacteria, the immune system attacks a person's nervous system. MS can occur at any age although the initial symptoms are most commonly seen between the ages of 20 and 40.There currently is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Therapies used to treat MS are designed to modify or slow the course of the disease, relieve its symptoms, and help people maintain a normal quality of life. Prescription medications for MS focus on returning function after an attack, preventing new attacks, and treating chronic symptoms. Common prescription medications used to treat multiple sclerosis include:
• Corticosteroids - such as methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) and prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)
• Immunomodulators - such as interferon beta-1A (Avonex, Rebif), interferon beta-1b (Betaseron), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), and natalizumab (Tysabri)
• Immunosuppressants - such as mitoxantrone (Novantrone)
• Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics - such as lioresal (Baclofen), and tizanidine (Zanaflex), or benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax)
• Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) – such as immune globulin (IGIV) (brand names Carimune, Gamimune N, Gammagard, Venoglobulin-S)
• Anti-viral medications - such as amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel)
• Anticonvulsants - such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
• Beta-blockers - such as propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA)
• Anticholinergic medications - such as oxybutynin (Ditropan), bethanechol (Urecholine), and tamsulosin (Flomax)
• Antidepressants - such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine (Effexor) These medications do have side effects, some being serious and others not. You should always talk to your doctor if your side effects become bothersome or severe. You and your doctor can work together to determine the right treatment for you based on your particular symptoms and pattern of disease. An early diagnosis followed by the appropriate therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for a person with multiple sclerosis. Sources:
All About Multiple Sclerosis. http://www.mult-sclerosis.org. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders, "Multiple Sclerosis (MS)." http://www.merck.com/mmhe. The Merck Manual of Medical Information, 2nd Home Edition, online version. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
Diseases and Conditions, "Multiple Sclerosis." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, 2007.
Medline Plus Encyclopedia. Medline, 2007.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006. Last accessed 3/13/2007.
This answer prepared 3/13/2007.
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