Author & Founder Lorna Moorhead

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    Even though no cure has been found for Multiple Sclerosis, there are many ways to help ease the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The three main choices for use in slowing the progress of MS are Avonex, Betaseron, and Copaxone. These drugs which are taken by injection , are fondly called the ABC drugs.

Medications for slowing the progression of MS:

· Avonex (Interferon Beta-1a) Avonex is an intramuscular shot which is taken weekly. For more information on Avonex please visit their web site at www.biogen.com.

· Betaseron (Interferon Beta-1b) Betaseron is a subcutaneous (under the skin, like a shot) injection taken every other day. To find out more about Betaseron visit their site at www.betaseron.com

· Copaxone (Glatiramer Acetate) Copaxone is a daily injection which is subcutaneous like Betaseron.  For more information on Copaxone you can visit www.tevamarionpartners.com

 New Addition: Rebif (Interferon beta 1-a) Subcutaneous injection 3 times a week. From Serono. www.seronousa.com

New Addition: Novantrone ( For treatment of worsening relapsing-remitting MS, progressive-relapsing, or primary progressive MS. Four times a year by IV, lifetime limit of 8-12 doses. From Serono. www.seronousa.com

    In addition to the ABC drugs (know being known as CRAB Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, and Betaseron) to slow the progression of MS, there are many medicines to help with the various symptoms a person with MS may experience. Discussing these different medications with your doctor may give you a better idea of how these medicines works and can help your MS symptoms. Remember that all medications have side effects and sometimes the side effects can make the medication not worth taking.

However, many people with MS have told me " If it can help me get on my feet and improve my quality of life, I'll take it!" I definitely understand this sentiment.

Symptom Relief

Medications that can help with various symptoms:

Bladder Problems

•  Deterol (Tolterodine Tartrate)
•  Ditropan (Oxybutnin) &Ditropan XL (Extended Release)
•  DDAVP (Desmopressin) (Nasal Spray or tablets)
•  Hytrin (Terazosin)
• Oxytrol (Oxybutynin Transdermal System Patch)
•  Pro-Banthine (Propantheline)
   Urispas (Flavoxate)
  
  Depression
  · Celexa (Citalopram)
  · Effexor (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride)
  · Elavil (Amitriptyline)
  · Paxil (Paroxetine)
  · Prozac (Fluoextine)
  · Tofranil (Imipramine)
  
  Fatigue
  · Cylert (Premoline)
  · Symmetrel (Amantadine)
  · Provigil
  
  Impotence
  ·  Caverject, Muse (Alprostadil)
  · Pravatine (Papaverine)
  · Viagra (Slidenafil) Studies are being done reviewing the effects of Viagra in women as well.
  
  Pain
  · Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine)
  · Robaxin (Methocarbamol)
  · Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
  
  Spasticity
  · Ativan (Lorazepam)
  · Baclofen (Baclofen)
  · Dantrium (Dantrolene)
  · Valium (Diazepam)
  Zanaflex
  
  Tremor
  · Diamox (Acetazolamide)
  · Inderal (Propranolol)
  · Mysoline (Primidone)
  
  Vertigo
  · Gravol (Dimenhydrinate)
  · Zofran (Ondansetron)
  
  HERBS?
   Although herbal remedies have not been studied or recommended in MS , when I was faced with no symptom relief, I began to study my herbals, curious about the affect of herbs on my symptoms.
  
      Everyone has had a relaxing cup of tea or a nice soak in a bath to help ease away the stress of a bad day or to relax sore muscles. In this same vein, why not a tea or bath to help with the aches and pains of MS?
  
      In a different light than herbal pills , the only time the herbs are ingested , is in a small amount via the tea. When speaking with my doctor, she mentioned that she would much prefer I drink a cup of chamomile tea to relax than to drink alcohol or take a pain killer. Thinking she had an idea, I began looking into the different herbs and their medicinal uses.
  
  I do not suggest you try any of these ideas until you have spoken with your doctor! Everyone is different and every single one of us is on a different therapy than the other. The chances for mistakes are too great. I have already spoken with my doctors and cleared the uses of an herbal bath or tea , you should do so as well.
  
  

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