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.
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.
|