A Comprehensive Chart of Drugs that Treat Multiple Sclerosis

Below is a chart I located on a very educational web site that lists all the known drugs used for MS with the exception of the very latest drugs such as Ampyra and Lyrica to name two.

Unfortunately my skill at transferring charts is minimal so I was not able to figure out how to transfer all of the chart columns to this table.

There are 2 columns missing, which detail "Downsides" and "Comments". As soon as I learn how to transfer the entire chart onto this table, I will do so, until then, I will have to provide the link here, so that you can view the chart in all its splendor if you would rather do so.

It will be necessary for you to scroll down until you finally arrive at the chart entitled, Drugs Used to Treat MS.

If you are anything like me, then you find it difficult to keep up with the Brand Names versus the Generic Name of all the drugs we deal with.

My goal is to remember the name that is easiest for me to recall. Most of the time that turns out to be the brand name, but since it is as good as my memory can do, I am quite content to remember just one of the various names the drug may be given

Divided Into Categories

One of the reasons I saved this chart is because I wanted a quick reference for when I needed to search a drug for a specific problem.

Did you notice Urine and Bladder has its very own group of drugs. Then there is my favorite Fatigue which lists most of the drugs used to battle that particular symptom. I think this is a convenient and quick resource when you need to learn basic information about a drug you are considering, or when you need a check list of sorts, to see which drugs remain untested by you, in regards to a specific symptom.

An Amazing Website

If you have the time to visit the actual website, which is also linked above, I am sure you will be most impressed not only by the size of the site, but by the knowledge shared by someone who is a practicing physician. He understands all the demands and confusion that is centered around our understanding and keeping up with all the neurological problems MS presents.

His name is Dr. Charles Yanofsky and to give you an example of how fantastic his site is, I have quoted what he lists as 5 goals MS patients should aspire to attain.

" GOALS:

First, I’d like to present a few worthwhile goals.

1. Please try to learn all you can about MS. Apart from informing you about the disease, which lets you to make rational choices, knowledge decreases fear. A working vocabulary should help you communicate more efficiently. MS is not an abstraction. It is tangible entity and you don't need to be a rocket scientist to master the basics.

2. Along the way you will need to develop a general strategy for dealing with new challenges, one at a time, to divide an conquer. Some problems are relatively trivial, others important. Learning how to separate them out and deal with them one by one will help. For example, there are minor flares that don’t affect function. Should you stay out of work, go on bed rest? How soon should you call the doctor?, etc. Much of this knowledge will be acquired with experience over a long timeframe.

3. Develop a pattern of open communication with family, spouse, your doctor-- a support system, in other words. You are the expert about yourself and inner feelings which have to come out in some form. Inner turmoil will always be expressed, no matter how hard you try to repress it. You might as well express yourself candidly.

4. Pay attention to your general health. You will best be able to deal with symptoms if you have more stamina, and good health will decrease any possible disability. Jettisoning bad habits such as smoking and overeating is good, as well as developing an exercise regime (don’t over-do it, regularity is the ticket) and it improves your energy level and feeling of well-being. You will be able to get around problems easier with the right attitude and a high energy level.

5. Your ultimate goal is for MS to make as little impact as possible on your life. While you should focus on it in an adaptive way, through the above mechanisms, MS should not take over your life. You should strive to keep your limitations to a minimum, to get out of the house, to focus on other fulfilling parts of life."

Here again, is a link to his website: http://www.pneuro.com/publications/ms/

Whether newly diagnosed, or a seasoned veteran of MS, I find his goals apply to us all equally and serve as great reminders of how to live successfully with the MonSter.

Have you already decided on your favorite suggestion for a goal? I think my favorite is the very last one, #5.

Who among us doesn't fight everyday so that MS doesn't take over our lives and define us in only the narrowest way. We don't want to be known because we have MS, we want the other parts of our personality to shine through. We do what we can to keep the MS in place, even when it means we have to make choices that are difficult and taxing for us.

I feel much better when I make decisions that will enable my life to be less impacted by MS. I like the positive energy that comes from being determined not to give in to my fears and engage in dangerous speculation that would depress me if I gave it the chance.

While I am thrown periodically, I find Dr. Yanofsky's advice about surrounding myself with friends and family who are positive and encouraging holds the key to surmounting the mountain of doubt that sometimes lurks in front of me.

Also, how beneficial it is for us all not to try to suppress our feelings, thinking it will make adjusting and dealing with MS easier. Open, candid communication is what is needed. It is truly an important goal to try to achieve, as it means increased peace of mind for us individually.

While this site is massive in size, it is something you can go back and read in measured doses. A newly diagnosed person will want to start at the very beginning of the site so that you avail yourself to the encouragement offered by the doctor.

I find myself discovering something helpful every time I make the time to look back on his site. I hope it proves just as beneficial for you.