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Polypharmacy in multiple sclerosis: relationship with fatigue, perceived cognition, and objective cognitive
Joanie M Thelen1, Sharon G Lynch2, Amanda S Bruce1
1Department of Psychology, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|April 22, 2014
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients on multiple medications experienced increased fatigue and cognitive issues. Careful consideration of polypharmacy is crucial for managing MS symptoms and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) management involves various medications for disease progression, symptom relief, and comorbidities.
- Polypharmacy (use of multiple medications) is common in MS but its impact on patient outcomes is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polypharmacy on fatigue, objective neuropsychological performance, and subjective cognitive impairment in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-five MS patients completed medication inventories, self-report questionnaires, and neurocognitive tests.
- Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) compared patients with and without polypharmacy, controlling for disease characteristics.
Main Results:
- Polypharmacy was associated with significantly higher levels of fatigue and subjective cognitive difficulties.
- MS patients on multiple medications demonstrated prospective memory deficits compared to those on fewer medications.
Conclusions:
- Polypharmacy may contribute to iatrogenic fatigue and cognitive problems in MS patients.
- Clinicians and researchers should carefully evaluate the benefits and risks of polypharmacy in MS care and research.
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