Riluzole

Riluzole is used to slow the progress of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). The drug also may delay the need for a tracheostomy (breathing tube), but it is not a cure for ALS. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Riluzole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day, every 12 hours. You should take it at the same time each day (usually in the morning and in the evening). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take riluzole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Riluzole slows progression of ALS but does not cure it. Continue to take riluzole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking riluzole without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Riluzole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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dizziness</li>
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tiredness</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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muscle weakness or aches</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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headache</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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difficulty breathing</li>
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fever</li>
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depression</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking riluzole, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to riluzole or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amitriptyline (Elavil), caffeine-containing products, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), omeprazole (Prilosec), rifampin (Rifadin), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had blood disorders or anemia or kidney or liver disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking riluzole. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.