Johns Hopkins University
Neurology

Author Of 1 Presentation

Clinical Trials Oral Presentation

PS13.02 - Randomized Trial of Amantadine, Modafinil and, Methylphenidate for Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue

Speakers
Presentation Number
PS13.02
Presentation Topic
Clinical Trials
Lecture Time
13:15 - 13:27

Abstract

Background

Methylphenidate, modafinil, and amantadine are commonly prescribed medications for alleviating fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, the evidence supporting their efficacy is sparse and conflicting.

Objectives

Our goal was to compare the efficacy of these three medications against each other and placebo in patients with MS-related fatigue.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-sequence, four-period crossover trial, patients with MS fatigue received twice-daily oral amantadine, modafinil, methylphenidate, or placebo, each given for up to six weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) measured while taking the highest tolerated dose. Secondary outcomes included measures of sleepiness, adverse events, and the maximal tolerated dose of each medication.

Results

A total of 141 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of four medication administration sequences. Data from 136 participants were available for the intent-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome. The estimated mean values of MFIS total scores at baseline and the maximal tolerated dose were as follows: 51.3 at baseline, 40.7 with placebo, 41.2 with amantadine, 39.0 with modafinil, and 38.7 with methylphenidate (P=0.20 for the overall medication effect). As compared to placebo (30.6%), higher proportions of participants reported adverse events while taking amantadine (38.6%), modafinil (40.0%), and methylphenidate (39.5%).

Conclusions

Amantadine, modafinil, and methylphenidate were not superior to placebo in improving MS-related fatigue and caused more frequent adverse events. The results of this study do not support an indiscriminate use of amantadine, modafinil, and methylphenidate for the treatment of fatigue in MS. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03185065.)

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