Fatigue is one of the most common and challenging symptoms of PPMS, affecting nearly 80% of people with MS. The good news is there are several medication options that doctors may consider, though it's worth noting that research on their effectiveness can be mixed.
Here are the main medicines that may be used:
- Amantadine Show Full Answer
Fatigue is one of the most common and challenging symptoms of PPMS, affecting nearly 80% of people with MS. The good news is there are several medication options that doctors may consider, though it's worth noting that research on their effectiveness can be mixed.
Here are the main medicines that may be used:
- Amantadine β An antiviral medication sometimes prescribed off-label to help reduce MS fatigue
- Modafinil (Provigil) β Originally used for sleep disorders, it's sometimes prescribed off-label for MS fatigue
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) β A stimulant occasionally used off-label for MS fatigue
- Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) β Some MyMSTeam members have reported this helps their fatigue
- Antidepressants β These may also help some people manage MS-related fatigue It's important to know that stimulant medications carry a risk of dependency and are controlled substances, so doctors are cautious about prescribing them. Some studies have shown these drugs may not always work better than a placebo for MS fatigue.
Always speak with your neurologist to find the best option for your specific situation, and make sure all your healthcare providers know every medication and supplement you're taking to avoid interactions.
April 29