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MRI changes in multiple sclerosis following treatment with lofepramine and L-phenylalanine
Abstract
As part of a large, randomized placebo-controlled trial of inpatients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a subsample of 15 underwent cerebral MRI at baseline and 6-months (eight on lofepramine and l-phenylalanine; seven on placebo). Unlike the placebo group, the active group showed a significant reduction in lesion number visible on T1-weighted scans (p < 0.05). The lateral ventricular volume increased, on average, by 1020 mm3 in the untreated group and 600 mm3 in the treated group. In the treated patients the ventricular size change correlated with both change in Gulick MS-related symptoms scale scores (rs = 0.71, p = 0.07) and Gulick MS-related activities of daily living scale scores (rs = -0.83, p = 0.02). It is concluded that treatment with lofepramine and l-phenylalanine is associated with significant MRI changes.

Treatment of multiple sclerosis with lofepramine, L-phenylalanine and vitamin B(12): mechanism of action and clinical importance: roles of the locus coeruleus and central noradrenergic systems.
Loder C, Allawi J, Horrobin DF.
Abstract
In a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial a combination of lofepramine, phenylalanine and vitamin B(12) was found to be effective in relieving the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The effect occurred within 2-4 weeks, and improved all types of symptoms in all types of MS. The combination was also effective in relieving symptoms in patients with chronic pain and chronic fatigue. We hypothesize that the action of this combined therapy may relate to activation of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus/lateral tegmentum (LC/LT) system which has the potential to influence the functioning of large areas of the brain and spinal cord.