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Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

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264 The Nervous System<br />

MEDICATIONS TO TREAT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS<br />

Drug or Medication Course <strong>of</strong> Action Concerns/Side Effects<br />

interferon beta 1a (Rebif) genetically engineered proteins that direct may cause development <strong>of</strong> antibodies<br />

interferon beta 1b (Betaseron) IMMUNE SYSTEM responses against viruses NAUSEA, VOMITING, MUSCLE aches (flu-like<br />

enhances natural immune function<br />

symptoms)<br />

requires weekly intramuscular injections<br />

glatiramer (Copaxone) block IMMUNE RESPONSE from attacking flushing, shortness <strong>of</strong> breath<br />

myelin<br />

requires daily subcutaneous injection<br />

alternative to beta INTERFERONS<br />

corticosteroids (prednisone, suppress immune response HYPERTENSION<br />

prednisolone, dexamethasone) reduce INFLAMMATION OSTEOPOROSIS<br />

increased risk for INFECTION<br />

selective serotonin reuptake stabilize emotions drowsiness, dry MOUTH, sexual side effects<br />

inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants reduce DEPRESSION interactions with other medications<br />

(fluoxetine, sertraline,<br />

cannot take with tricyclic antidepressants<br />

venlafaxine, parocetine)<br />

tricyclic antidepressants reduce PAIN drowsiness, dry mouth, sexual side effects<br />

(amitriptyline, nortriptyline, reduce DEPRESSION interactions with other medications<br />

imipramine, doxepin)<br />

cannot take with SSRI antidepressants<br />

muscle relaxants (bacl<strong>of</strong>en, reduce muscle spasms drowsiness<br />

tizanidine, diazepam,<br />

muscle weakness<br />

clonazepam)<br />

BOTULINUM THERAPY spasticity that does not respond to other may cause weakness in injected muscles<br />

treatment<br />

temporarily paralyzes muscles into which<br />

it is injected<br />

ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS (acyclovir, improve immune system response to may slow attacks<br />

Famvir, valacyclovir, amantadine) viruses<br />

modafinil reduce drowsiness HEADACHE<br />

difficulty sleeping<br />

ANALGESIC MEDICATIONS<br />

relieve pain<br />

(acetaminophen, NONSTEROIDAL reduce inflammation STOMACH irritation (NSAIDS)<br />

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS [NSAIDS])<br />

mitoxantrone (Novantrone) CHEMOTHERAPY agent intravenous injection every three months for<br />

slows attacks on myelin<br />

up to three years<br />

extends periods <strong>of</strong> remission<br />

nausea, vomiting<br />

muscle aches<br />

may increase risk for cardiovascular disease

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