Fatigue and Multiple Sclerosis
Most of us with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from fatigue. In fact, an estimated 70% of people with MS say that fatigue is their most disabling symptom. While much of our fatigue comes from the disease process itself or MS-related heat intolerance, there are many secondary causes of fatigue in MS. One thing that may be contributing to your fatigue could actually be some of the medications that you are taking to slow your MS or deal with specific symptoms. If you suffer from MS-related fatigue, it is important to investigate all possible causes, including side effects from some of your medications.Medications for Bladder Dysfunction
People with MS experience many different types of bladder dysfunction. They are all slightly different in nature, and therefore require different types of medications to address them. Don’t be shocked if you find out that your drug was originally created to be an antidepressant or reduce high blood pressure – many drugs have a wide range of uses and can be used as very effective treatments for different forms of bladder dysfunction.Note To My Non-US Friends: The list below includes brand names of drugs prescribed in the US. For people in other countries, please refer to the generic name of the medication (which may be spelled slightly differently, depending on the country). Thanks for your understanding.
But “Fatigue” Isn’t Listed as a Side Effect of My Drug:
Most of the medications listed below have “tiredness” or “drowsiness” as a potential side effect. Some list “dizziness” or “weakness.” Others also have side effects like “sweating,” “trembling,” “difficulty breathing,” “lightheadedness,” “flushing,” “confusion,” “nausea/vomiting” or “fainting spells.” For someone that does not have MS, many of these effects could just be a passing annoyance. However, for those of us who battle MS-related fatigue on a daily basis, any of the discomforts listed above may be enough to tip the balance between a good day and a bad day, fatigue-wise.Medications for Urinary Frequency and Urgency in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Oxybutynin (Ditropan): An anticholinergic (antispasmotic) drug, which is available as syrup, skin patch and tablets.
Desmopressin (DDAVP): A hormone that is given to control frequent urination found in a certain kind of diabetes, after head injuries or surgery, which is available as an injection, nose spray, rhinal tube nose solution or tablets.
Medications for Urinary Urgency and Incontinence in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Tolterodine (Detrol): A drug that works by preventing or reducing bladder contractions, and is available as tablets or extended-release capsules.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol): An anticonvulsant drug which works by reducing abnormal activity or excitement in the brain, which is also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia and manic episodes. It is available as extended-release tablets or capsules, oral suspension, tablets or chewable tablets.
Imipramine (Tofranil): A trycyclic antidepressant that is also used to treat bedwetting. It is available as capsules, injections or tablets.
Bethanechol (Urecholine): A drug that helps the bladder to empty all the way. It is available as tablets or injections.
Medications for Urinary Hesitancy in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline): An antihypertensive drug (to treat high blood pressure) which is available as capsules.
Terazosin (Hytrin): An alpha-blocker that relaxes muscles in the bladder and prostrate (for men), as well as lowering blood pressure. It is available as capsules.
Medications to Treat Spastic Bladder in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Propantheline (Pro-Banthine): An anticholinergic (antispasmotic) drug, available as tablets.
Oxybutynin (Ditropan): An anticholinergic (antispasmotic) drug, which is available as syrup, skin patch or tablets.
Hyoscyamine (Symax): An anticholinergic primarily used for irritable bowel syndrome, available as biphasic tablets or sustained-release capsules or tablets, elixir or solution, injection, oral disintegrating tablets, tablets or capsules.
Baclofen (Lioresal): An anstispasmotic drug, which is available as disintegrating tablets, injections or tablets.
Diazepam (Valium): A benzodiazapine that is available as an injection, oral solution, rectal gel or tablets. Labeled as an antianxiety medication, but also used as an anticonvulsant.
Medications to Treat Overactive Bladder in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Trospium (Sanctura): An anticholinergic, which is available as extended-release capsules or tablets.
Solifenacin (Vesicare): An anticholinergic, available as tablets.
Darifenacin (Enablex): An antimuscarinic, available as an extended-release tablet.
Tamsulosin (Flomax): An alpha-blocker, which is to relax muscles in the bladder and site of prostate enlargement. It is for men only. It is available as capsules.
Terazosin (Hytrin): An alpha-blocker that relaxes muscles in the bladder and prostrate (for men), as well as lowering blood pressure. It is available as capsules.
Prazosin (Minipress): An alpha-blocker, used for high blood pressure, which works by relaxing blood vessels. Available as capsules.
Imipramine (Tofranil): A trycyclic antidepressant that is also used to treat bedwetting. It is available as capsules, injections or tablets.
