Ampyra for Multiple Sclerosis User Reviews

• gle...
• March 30, 2010

"For eight years now, I've been on 4-aminopyridine ER, the chemical name for dalfampridine, and am now on Ampyra. I was able to obtain 4-AP from a compounding pharmacy by prescription. I have been astounded by the change this chemical has made in me, and, through physical therapy and exercise, by what I have been able to gain because of it. The primary improvement for me has been leg strength, but I've also noticed some improvement in breathing, eyesight, balance and cognition, though I find no documentation to support my observations on these latter four. When I go off of the drug, these improvements vanish until I start up again. I've gone from power chair to forearm crutches to hiking again! Wow!!"

• nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2013

"Ampyra has been a Godsend for me! Before I started taking it, I was a 'wall-walker'. I always had to hold onto a wall before I took a step. Now I am walking without assistance. I saw improvement after my second dose. Now I am exercising again which makes me feel so much better-mentally and physically. I was 51 before I was diagnosed and not being able to walk made my life miserable. Now, I feel like I am more of a 'normal' person than I have been in 20 years! Thanks Ampyra!"

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2014

"Doctor said I was headed for a wheelchair, but now I hardly get asked 'what happened to your foot?'. If I concentrate while I'm walking, I can almost look like nothing is even wrong. Plus, I haven't fallen in over 6 months."

• Djl...
• January 16, 2013

"I started Ampyra five weeks ago. The first full day, I was miserable with nausea, but over the next few days, the nausea lessened. Three weeks into taking it, I realized that I wasn't tripping anymore and my right leg foot drop was all but gone. Now I'm trying to strengthen my leg muscles by walking on the treadmill and riding the exercise bike every day. I've had RRMS for 17 years. Four years ago, I was easily walking three miles a day without any problems, but over those last few years, I was weakening, tripping, falling. I couldn't even walk a half mile. I was in a leg brace and using a cane frequently. Just seeing a set of stairs I was going to have to climb put me 'over the edge'. Now I'm going up the stairs and starting to walk much better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2012

"I have been taking this medicine for a year now, and it works great for me. I have relapsing-remitting MS, and I experience balance and coordination issues while walking (among other things). The first time I took this (10mg extended-release tablet) I noticed an immediate improvement in my ability to walk. All of a sudden, I was dashing up the stairs, which normally gave me trouble. I'm able to walk most of the time without my cane now! I have also noticed better bladder control. I know it is not a cure, but it greatly helps my MS symptoms. Ampyra has been a great blessing."

• Anonymous
• June 1, 2010

"I have used almost every medication known to man for primary progressive MS. Understanding that this is not a cure, but the improvement in my mobility is amazing. I still lack a large range of motion, but going to the gym now (which I could not do before) hoping to rebuild and retrain muscle that I have not used in years. I'm not 100%, but I am way better than I was before, and I'll take back what I can get back. A little before the time to take my second dose, I tend to start returning to the state I was at before I started taking it. Second dose, and I'm back up, ready to face the world feet first. This has given me so much hope after I have been disappointed numerous times before."

• Nik...
• April 20, 2013

"RRMS for 3 years. Started Ampyra 1 week ago and saw results on first day! Truly amazing that I can feel all the way to my toes in my weaker left leg! I am so encouraged by this pill. I have had absolutely no side effects. Still only taking 1 pill per day since it's been only 1 week. Please give this a try, I wish I would have and not waited 3 years."

• aCH...
• January 3, 2015

"I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988. Since I started taking AMPYRA (8/2013), I have experienced marked improvement in cognition, speech, diaphragm, and core muscle strength. These gains were accomplished with the help of P.T. and O.T. professionals and continuous improvement efforts on my part (range of motion and exercise). Benchmarking and goal setting have helped me recognize the drastic changes taking place. Specifically, hand and finger dexterity, arm and shoulder range of motion, trunk stability, legs, feet, and overall muscle regeneration after years of chronic deconditioning. The results are readily apparent to my Physicians, family, care team, friends."

• YLG...
• October 19, 2013

"This med is a wonder drug for me. I saw a difference in my walking speed within 2 weeks with only the 10mg use. As I moved up to the full 20mg daily, I found I had more energy, didn't need my daily nap, and even have done some light gardening. Last night, I walked down a 3-story spiral staircase when leaving a concert (holding on to the rail and holding hands with my husband). My ONLY negative is with the 'Specialty' pharma, which we are forced to use. (No choice, they are the only pharma for this med.) Accredo is enough of a hassle (even for my MS renowned doctor), I may stop if I have to deal with them monthly. Don't be afraid of the seizures warning in the info. With the time release pill, it seems not to be an issue if taken correctly."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2013

"Was having increasing difficulty with my left leg (drop foot, dragging, fatigue especially when on hills) and my left arm (typing characters out of order, weakness). Yes, I have Multiple Sclerosis. Took my first dose 3 days ago. Began to feel improvement within two doses, but thought it was a placebo effect. By the next day, I was walking hills with ease, only muscle soreness (after) and a bit winded (during), but none of the neurological issues! I could also feel the medicine's effect beginning to diminish about the 10th hour after a dose."

• ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2013

"I have had some minor side effects but nothing serious. I used to use a foot brace and cane, but once the medicine kicked in, I put them both away and haven't needed them since. This medicine is a godsend, and I hope it will work for you too."

• Jun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2015

"I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis for 17 years. I started Ampyra 3 years ago and since then I am more stable. I walk a little bit faster and get a lot more done in a day. Right after I started Ampyra, I was able to snowboard with my kids, something I never thought would have been possible."

• Ann...
• September 16, 2016

"MS since 2002 - 58-year-old with poor balance, weak right leg and foot drop. I use brace, rollator, and wheelchair. Started Ampyra 6 days ago, the first 3 days or so I was mildly lightheaded and it seemed the neuropathy in my legs was increased, but I was also feeling sensations I haven't felt in a long time! Day 4 I felt a surge of energy and was all over the house. Today day 6th I was able to walk more than I have in years without crying of exhaustion or my legs giving out, legs so much stronger! I am beyond excited that this is all happening so fast and very happy I got brave enough to try Ampyra. And yes around the 11th hour you know when medication is wearing off, so if you start Ampyra carry pills with you :). Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2010

"Not a cure and I may have been expecting (hoping for) more, but it's working for me. I still use a cane to walk to the office (0.33 mile), but I now get around the office without the cane, including going to the restroom, going for lunch, etc."

• meg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 9, 2015

"I was diagnosed with MS in 2006. I found myself with a loss of balance. I fell so much at my work, I gave my coworkers at the gym a scorecard as to how I fell. I have a sense of humor which helps me get through this newfound life. My doctor told me about Ampyra. After I started taking this drug, my falls decreased. We haven't had to score any of my falls in over a year."

• Mom...
• April 4, 2020

"I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2014, and the main sign that sent me to the doctor was my weakness in my legs. I recently found an amazing neurologist who finally agreed that I did have loss of feeling and weakness in my legs. He put me on Ampyra for four weeks to see if it made a difference for me. Well, today it has been 30 hours since I have had my last dose, and while trying to shop this morning, I almost cried. The difference was amazing for me. While I was on it, I didn't have to use the handrail and push on my legs to walk up the stairs. It was so much easier for me to get up from sitting, get in and out of my car, and my balance improved so much. Hopefully, I can get ahold of my doctor to get back on this soon! He told me to wait four weeks, but I don't think I can wait that long. It's definitely worth trying if you have leg problems! The only side effect I had was constipation, but I changed my diet and eventually had no issues."

• Dor...
• September 21, 2010

"I have taken Ampyra for 1 month. The second day, I thought it was my imagination, but I did things I couldn't do before, like standing at the sink without leaning, lifting my legs much higher. My left arm was weak and almost always had a closed fist, not anymore. I can actually use the keyboard again with both hands. So much more to say, it is a miracle medicine. Too bad, my insurance denied another month. Just purchased a 15-day supply on my own ($592.50) while I fight the denial. Everyone should give it a try."

• MsO...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2016

"Ampyra is the only drug that has been helpful to me, with the exception of Tysabri, which I was forced to quit. I have been diagnosed with MS for over 10 years and have gone from RRMS to SPMS over the past three years or so. I read about Ampyra a number of years ago but was afraid to try it because of all the side effects. I wish I had tried it a long time ago! I used to walk hugging the wall for balance and sometimes used a cane. I have only been on it for two weeks now, and my balance is a hundred percent better. I do not use the wall at all. I also have a left arm that wants to contract up, so that I hold it in front of my abdomen. I have noticed in the last day or so that my arm now hangs almost straight. Don't be afraid, try it!"

• Sal...
• August 1, 2010

"I have been on Ampyra for 5 days and have been so happy with this new pill. The first 2 days were NOT good with the side effects, but each day just gets better. I am able to walk better (without dragging my left foot) and get up from a kneeling position without too much effort. This new medicine has given me a new outlook on my future. Thank you for this medical wonder!"

• pix...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2017

"Ampyra is a MIRACLE for me. I have been on one pill a day for exactly one month. I have had MS symptoms since 2005 but was not diagnosed and put on Copaxone until last year. I have experienced two years of extremely heavy legs while just standing for more than 15 minutes, especially my left leg. My life had changed dramatically. Having to use a rollator when I left the house. My neuro finally prescribed Ampyra after asking for the last two years. After two weeks, I noticed that my stamina was much better. At one month, I could not believe it! No more heavy legs at all. I could stand and do housework for more than an hour. No side effects. I take one pill about 10 a.m. It runs $40 for a 30 day supply. Wonderful pill so far"

• Anonymous
• November 11, 2011

"I have had amazing results with Ampyra. I was relying on a walker more and more often because of leg weakness. Within two days of starting the medication, I was back to a cane and not even full time. After two weeks, I can now stand on my own for 4-5 minutes and can walk much faster without foot drop. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 out of 10 is because of mild side effects (nausea and headache)."

• Ezm...
• July 27, 2011

"Ampyra has made my quality of life a more positive experience! I used to have problems with my gait. Ampyra makes it so I am able to walk straight again. Also, I have noticed a drastic change in my cognitive functions. My thought process, language barrier, and my ability to remember things short term have improved. I can really tell a difference if I forget a dose! Not a cure, but a step in the right direction!"

• Mo ...
• April 26, 2017

"I was diagnosed with MS in August 2016. I am a dance instructor and noticed that I was limping, especially after class. I had foot drop, numbness, Charlie horses, and cramping at night. I have two small children who keep me active as well. MS totally changed my quality of life. I am taking Copaxone three times a week, but it doesn't help with the symptoms. I read about Ampyra, and because my main gripe about MS is the way I walk, I decided to ask my neurologist if I could try it. I've been on it for a week and already notice a difference. I'm hoping with time that it'll do more for me. I chased my son around the park this weekend and noticed a huge difference when I taught class yesterday. Very glad I tried it!"

• Pos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2013

"I have been on Ampyra for 4 days and I can't remember the last time I felt this good. Left leg is working better, can stand for longer periods of time, and I think that is just the beginning. Like others, I am going to start retraining my body to get back to normal as much as I can. Going back to Mayo tomorrow to have strength retested for before and after. I am part of a study going on. Drug company is contributing to keep my copay to a minimum."

• Jig...
• March 24, 2015

"Ampyra has been great for me. One of the biggest improvements is that I can stand up for longer periods of time. Before, I got tired and had to sit within 5 or so minutes. Now I can stand longer. My legs don't feel quite so heavy, and my foot drop is better. A couple of times, by accident, I have missed taking my medicine, and the change was very evident. When I got back on schedule, again I was much better. I am so glad to have this medication!"