Medications Used for MS Fatigue

More than 80 percent of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience fatigue--it's the most frequently cited MS symptom according to surveys by the National MS Society. Stimulant medications ease fatigue, but must be used with caution to avoid addiction. Dietary supplements are also available.

Amantadine

• According to Dr. George H. Kraft, director of the Western Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Center, University of Washington, Amantadine (Symmetrel), prescribed at a dose of 100 milligrams twice a day, is safe and inexpensive. It is the most commonly prescribed medication for MS fatigue.

Modafinil

• Kraft also says Modafinil (Provigil) is a medication MS physicians are increasingly prescribing. Common dosage is 200 milligrams, to be taken each morning to avoid sleep disturbances at night.

Methylphenidate

• MS patients often feel the results they obtain from the stimulant methylphenidate (Ritalin) are very beneficial. Dosage varies--your doctor will determine what is best for you.

Cautionary Oversight

• Kraft further states stimulant medications may adversely affect your body's natural rhythm of letting you know when more sleep is needed. He says deprivation of sleep hinders the natural ability of the nervous system to help repair MS injuries, by a process of rerouting information to other areas in the brain. This activity is carried out during the deep sleep stage.

Dietary Supplement

• Dietary supplement acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of the amino acid L-carnitine, found in almost all cells in your body. It plays a crucial role in the production of energy from long chain fatty acids. According to the Mayo Clinic, a 2006 study concluded use of this dietary supplement in conjunction with commonly-used immunosuppressive drugs decreased MS fatigue intensity in 63 percent of participants treated.