Multiple Sclerosis: Medicines for Muscle Stiffness and TremorsTopic OverviewSpasticitySeveral medicines may be used to treat muscle stiffness ( spasticity ) caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) .
Often a combination of these medicines given in small doses is better tolerated and more effective than a larger dose of a single medicine. Some forms of natural or man-made substances related to marijuana, called cannabinoids, may help relieve spasticity. TremorCarbamazepine (Tegretol), which is a seizure medicine, benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin), and beta-blockers, especially propranolol (Inderal), may have some benefit in treating tremors caused by MS. Severe tremors are very hard to treat. If they do not respond to medicine, surgery may be needed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on seizure medicines and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, people who take seizure medicine should be watched closely for warning signs of suicide. People who take seizure medicine and who are worried about this side effect should talk to a doctor. Related InformationReferences
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofFebruary 16, 2018
Current as of: February 16, 2018 Simpson DM, et al. (2008). Assessment: Botulinum neurotoxin for the treatment of spasticity (and evidence-based review): Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 70(19): 1691-1698.
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