How can medications treat ALS?

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How can medications treat ALS?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs to treat ALS:

  • Riluzole may help reduce damage to the motor neurons. It may extend survival by a few months, but it can’t reverse damage that's already occurred.
  • Edaravone can slow the decline in someone’s functioning.

Other medications can help manage ALS symptoms. Drugs can help with muscle cramps and stiffness and extra saliva. There are also drugs to help with pain, depression, sleep problems and constipation.

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