Dr. Maya Graty Ofir – Director of the Neurology Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa – Board Member of the Advisory Medical Council in the Israeli Multiple Sclerosis Society
Question: Due to chronic fatigue that affects me, I take Valbaten 300 mg. If I want to do something more physical, I drink Magat to wake up. My question is: is this okay? I have been regularly taking Cipralex for 18 years. Are these medications addictive? And if I still need help waking up, what do you recommend?
Answer:
In patients with multiple sclerosis, one of the possible symptoms is fatigue that is not proportional to the activity performed. Before starting medical treatment for fatigue, it is essential to rule out other causes such as depression, anemia, poor-quality sleep, or side effects of other medications. Once other causes are excluded, there are non-medical options for treating fatigue, such as maintaining regular physical activity, avoiding heat exposure, using energy conservation techniques, and more.
Medical treatments for chronic fatigue can include Provigil, Nuvigil, various antidepressants, and Amantadine.
The details of the medications mentioned in the question are unclear. It is advisable to consult the treating neurologist to verify the indication for which these medications were prescribed and ensure they meet the needs. Cipralex is an antidepressant treatment that can be taken long-term, but regular medical follow-up is recommended.
Question: Is it possible to cure multiple sclerosis? How often should an MRI be performed?
Answer:
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease. However, there are effective drug treatments that can prevent disease activity. A patient receiving appropriate treatment and adhering to it can feel well and function normally.
For patients who take regular medication, feel well, and have stable neurological status based on medical follow-up, an MRI can be performed once a year. In cases of worsening symptoms or new signs, an MRI should be repeated. During the diagnostic process or when changing treatment, the frequency of MRI exams may increase at the discretion of the treating physician.
Question: Is there a treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis?
Answer:
For primary progressive multiple sclerosis, there is a drug treatment with Ocrevus.
For patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, the current drug treatment is usually continued. If there is evidence of disease activity, such as clinical relapses or MRI findings, a change in treatment may be considered.
It is important to remember that in addition to anti-inflammatory treatments, there are many therapeutic options, both drug-based and non-drug-based, that can benefit patients. These include treatments for fatigue, spasticity, improved mobility, pain management, as well as non-drug therapies like physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, complementary medicine, physical activity, and more.