A randomized trial of memantine as treatment for spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
We report the results of a single center randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial of memantine in adults with multiple sclerosis and spasticity conducted over 12 weeks. Eligible MS patients had to have an Ashworth spasticity rating of 2 or higher in at least one lower extremity muscle group. Subjects were randomized to receive either placebo or memantine 10 mg twice a day. The primary outcome measure for efficacy was the change in Ashworth Spasticity Scale Score. Although well tolerated, memantine treatment did not demonstrate efficacy in treatment of spasticity in this 12-week small exploratory study.
Mehta
Lahar R
LR
Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. LRMehta@evergreenhealthcare.org
McDermott
Michael P
MP
Goodman
Andrew D
AD
Schwid
Steven R
SR
D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008559:Memantine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D008559:Memantine