This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

What's CIS?

_________________
The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems. Mohandas Gandhi

Clinically isolated syndrome.

Mino seems to be a very helpful abx for me.. and I'm in treatment for a few years now.

I do however take Vitamin C with Mino so not to get skin or teeth discoloration, and I do take Minocycline each day along with other meds for co-infections. I also pulse my meds, but I'm on them for periods of 3- 4 weeks continuously.

Hats off to any neuro who is willing to give out a Mino script or even a Tetracycline script or well, you get my point.

Don't be afraid to give abx a try.

the best,
tory

The Canadian MS site just posted an update regarding their minocycline trial. Here is the link: www.msanswers.ca/QuestionView.aspx?L=2&QID=2686. The conclusion of their statement was: "Because this is a long trial, it is anticipated that results will not be forthcoming for dissemination for about 4 years." I hope they are exaggerating the time frame.

Here is another interesting possible explanation why Minocycline may be helpful: http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/3021

I have been on Minocycline for about 4 1/2 years now. I started taking it about 5 months after my first and only MS attack. My MRI from 5 years ago clearly show demylination, but there do not seem to be any changes in subsequent MRIs, including one just a few months ago. I have not had another incident and I have no disability, although I have a few residual symptoms from that first episode.

However, I have developed ringing in my ears (tinnitus), which is a potential side effect of the Minocycline. I also am not excited about long term use of an antibiotic.

Therefore, I am considering discontinuing the Minocycline. I am wondering if there are opinions out there as to the wisdom of this?

Thanks!

I've been on three abx for over six years and really don't care if I have to take them forever, so long as the MS is beaten back. To me, it's just the price I pay for my recovered health. What are your concerns about long-term abx, David?

I was thinking, if you just want to stop the mino because of the tinnitus, maybe you could switch off, to doxycycline? That way, you would still get the benefit of an antibiotic, but without the (possible) side-effect you're experiencing.

_________________
The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems. Mohandas Gandhi

I have a concern with taking any medication long term if I don't have to, because all medications come with side effects. With antibiotics in particular, one concern is developing antibiotic resistance. Another concern is the Tinnitus, and there there are other potential side effects with Minocycline as well as the other cyclines.

David, the medications normally prescribed for MS come with worse side effects. I took three abx for four years with no ill-effects. I took probiotics every day, two hours apart from abx which is essential.

Sarah

_________________
An Itinerary in Light and Shadow Completed Dr Charles Stratton / Dr David Wheldon abx regime for aggressive secondary progressive MS in June 2007, after four years. Still improving with no relapses since starting. Can't run but can paint all day.

DavidR: If I were you, I would never stop working treatment. Not everyone has this luck.

The whole purpose of taking the two antibiotics at once is to AVOID developing resistance. As I told a friend today, who asked 'but, what if I really need anitibiotics for some infection later on'... this IS the infection you've been waiting to use abx on! Really, if we had MRSA, would we be saying, no, don't give me abx; I'm saving them for something important? Heck, no.

THIS is the important infection of your life.

_________________
The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems. Mohandas Gandhi