Treatment

There is no cure for MS at this time, although doctors do have therapies that may slow the course of the disease. The primary goal of treatment of MS is controlling symptoms to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Medications

There are a number of medications used to slow the progression of MS. These include:

• Interferons (Avonex®, Betaseron®, Rebif®), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®), mitoxantrone (Novantrone®), natalizumab (Tysabri®)

• Fingolimod (Gilenya®)

• Methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran®)

Steroids may be used to lessen the severity of episodes. Other medicines may be taken to control symptoms of MS, including:

• Cholinergic medications to ease urinary dysfunctions

• Lioresal (Baclofen®), or tizanidine (Zanaflex®) for muscle spasms

• Antidepressants for mood-related and behavioral symptoms

• Amantadine to help ease fatigue