Drugs used to treat Multiple Sclerosis
For Relief of symptoms regardless of MS type
| Drug Class | How It Works | Symptom Relieved |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Relaxants (Baclofen, Dantrolene, Tizanidine, Cyclobenzaprine, Clonazepam, Diazepam) | Muscle relaxants (also used for a number of other conditions), help to relieve spasms and stiffness for people with MS. |
|
| Anticholinergics (Propantheline, Tolterodine Dicyclomine) | Anticholinergic drugs reduce the frequency and intensity of spasms of the bladder and bowel. |
|
| Urinary Tract Antispasmodics (Oxybutynin) | By relaxing muscles in the bladder, antispasmodics increase the bladder's ability to hold urine. It also reduces bladder spasms, limits the urge to pass urine, and lessens the frequency of involuntary urination. |
|
| Tricyclic Antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Imipramine) | Tricyclic antidepressants rebalance chemicals in the central nervous system, which helps to relieve MS-associated sensory symptoms. Some of their side effects (dry mouth and urine retention, for example) make them effective for treating bowel and bladder spasm. | |
| Antidiuretic Hormone (Desmopressin, DDAVP) | Antidiuretic hormone decreases urine flow through the kidneys. |
|
| Anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Acetazolamide) | Usually used to prevent or relieve seizures, anticonvulsants rebalance chemical levels in the brain, relieving sensory symptoms caused by MS. |
|
| Central Nervous System Stimulants (Pemoline) | Through an unknown process, pemoline stimulates the central nervous system, helping to relieve the tiredness that frequently accompanies MS. |
|
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine,Sertraline) |
The ability of SSRIs to alter the levels of certain chemicals in the brain creates a stimulation effect. |
|
| Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen) |
Good for relieving minor aches and pains, NSAIDs can also reduce fever in patients taking Interferons. |
|
Amended April 2008
