Posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 21:43:26
In reply to Re: You know Zoloft isn't working when, posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 21:03:26
Here's a list of MS meds looks like TCA's seem to work well for depression with MS. Phillipa
Multiple Sclerosis Health Center Font SizeA A A Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Medications
Medications for multiple sclerosis (MS) may be used:During a relapse, to make the attack shorter and less severe.
Over a long period of time, to alter the natural course of the disease (disease-modifying therapy).
To control specific symptoms as they occur.
Controlling a relapse
Medications can shorten a sudden relapse and help you recover more quickly. Temporary treatment with medications called corticosteroids is the most common treatment used to control a relapse. These medications have not been shown to affect the long-term course of the disease or to prevent disability.Altering the course of MS using disease-modifying treatment
Strong evidence suggests that MS is caused by the immune system causing inflammation and attacking the myelin-the coating surrounding the nerve and nerve fibers. Medications that change the activity of the immune system can reduce the number and severity of attacks that damage the protective myelin.Currently, interferon beta (Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), and natalizumab (Tysabri) are the only medications that have been approved for this purpose. For people with relapsing-remitting MS, these medications can reduce the number and severity of relapses and can result in fewer brain lesions. They may also delay disability in some people. Betaseron and Novantrone may delay disease progression in some people with secondary progressive MS.
Currently, there is no effective disease-modifying treatment for primary progressive MS.
Some people have only one episode of a neurological symptom such as optic neuritis, but MRI tests suggest they may have MS. This is known as clinically isolated syndrome. Many of these people go on to develop MS over time. Avonex and Betaseron have been used for people with clinically isolated syndrome in an attempt to prevent MS from developing.
Relieving symptoms
Treating specific symptoms can be effective, even if it does not stop the progression of the disease. Symptoms that can often be controlled or relieved with medication include:Fatigue. Medications to reduce fatigue or help you sleep better may include amantadine (Symmetrel), modafinil (Provigil), or fluoxetine (Prozac).
Muscle stiffness (spasticity) and tremors. Medications that may reduce muscles spasms or stiffness include baclofen (Lioresal), tizanidine (Zanaflex), dantrolene (Dantrium), gabapentin (Neurontin), diazepam (Valium), or clonazepam (Klonopin). Sometimes a combination of these medications works best to reduce your muscle symptoms.
Urinary problems and constipation. Medications used to reduce frequent urination may include propantheline (Pro-Banthine), oxybutynin (Ditropan), or tolterodine (Detrol). Medications sometimes used to relieve constipation include bulk agents such as psyllium (Metamucil) or daily use of laxatives.
Pain and abnormal sensations. Depending on the severity of the pain, both prescription and nonprescription medications may be tried. Prescription medications commonly used to reduce pain associated with MS include baclofen (Lioresal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), or gabapentin (Neurontin). Nonprescription medications may include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium.
Depression. Antidepressant medications may be used to reduce depression that often occurs as a result of having MS. Antidepressants often tried include tricyclic antidepressants-such as amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), or imipramine (Tofranil)-or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)-such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) among others.
poster:Phillipa
thread:792182
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071027/msgs/792838.html