The Journal of Neurological Science (2004 Mar 15) reports on research comparing acetyl l-carnitine (ALCAR) and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in MS.

Researchers at the Department of Neurological Sciences at the University of Rome conducted a pilot, randomized, double-blind crossover trial involving 36 MS patients who presented with fatigue.  The abstract concludes: "The results of this study show that ALCAR is better tolerated and more effective than amantadine for the treatment of MS-related fatigue."  The trial included treatment with amantadine (100 mg twice daily) or ALCAR (1 g twice daily.)  Six patients (5 on amantadine and 1 on ALCAR) withdrew because of adverse reactions. 

For complete information, please refer to:  J Neurol Sci 2004  Mar 15;218(1-2):103-8. Comparison of the effects of acetyl l-carnitine and amantadine for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.  Tomassini V, et al