There are numerous medications that are used to manage complications associated with multiple sclerosis. The following table lists common complications, examples of drug and non-drug therapy, and comments about complications and/or management.
Table. Multiple sclerosis complications with examples of drug and non-drug management (this list is not exhaustive; some of the drugs listed below are used to treat multiple sclerosis symptoms even though they have not been FDA-approved for this particular purpose)
| Complication | Drugs | Non-drug management and comments |
| Muscle spasticity | baclofen (Lioresal) tizanidine (Zanaflex) diazepam (Valium) clonazepam (Klonopin) dantrolene (Dantrium) | Physical therapy may also provide benefit. Most drugs are given by mouth. Some drugs are given via spinal pumps. |
| Weakness | None | Physical therapy and exercise mostly are used. Foot braces, canes or walkers are of benefit. |
| Eye problems (acute optic neuritis) | methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) | Solu-Medrol is given during the acute attack intravenously, sometimes followed by a corticosteroid by mouth. |
| Fatigue, emotional outbursts | Anti-depressants amantadine (Symmetrel) for fatigue; modafinil (Provigil) for fatigue | Decrease or avoid physical activity and heat exposure. Amitriptyline is used for sudden laughing/weeping. |
| Pain | aspirin Ibuprofen acetaminophen anti-convulsants anti-depressants | Aspirin, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or physical therapy are used for muscle and back pain. Anti-convulsants, like carbamazepine (Tegretol) or gabapentin (Neurontin) are used for face or limb pain. Anti-depressants or electrical stimulation are used for prickling pain, intense tingling, and burning. Referral to pain specialist is recommended with severe pain. |
| Bladder dysfunction | Antibiotics Vitamin C oxybutynin (Ditropan) | Antibiotics are used to manage infections. Vitamin C and cranberry juice are used to prevent infections. Catheters are used to relieve urine retention. Oxybutynin (Ditropan, Ditropan LX, Oxytrol) or tolterodine (Detrol, Detrol LA)is used for bladder spasms. |
| Constipation | Increase fluids and fiber. | |
| Sexual dysfunction | sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), papaverine (Pavabid, Vasal) Vaginal gels | For males, erectile dysfunction drugs, papaverine, penile implant, or electrostimulation are used. For females, vaginal gels or a vibrating device are used. |
| Tremors | Often resistant to treatment. Sometimes drugs, or surgery are used if extreme. |
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
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