What side effects of Riluzole are to be expected?

Riluzole is a well-tolerated drug. The majority of patients do not experience any side effects. The drug is taken without any undesirable effects. Despite the favorable tolerability profile, side effects can occur, as with any medication. Very common side effects (in more than 10% of all patients) are tiredness, malaise and an increase in the levels of some liver enzymes (“transaminases”). Drowsiness and dizziness are possible effects at the start of treatment and usually subside after a few days.

In the event of significant side effects, the medication can be reduced to a lower dose or discontinued and slowly increased with a reduced initial dose. The details should be discussed with the doctor. This also applies to the procedure with elevated liver values. The question of reducing the dose and the need for blood tests to check the liver values depends largely on the level of the liver values. A slight increase in liver enzymes (e.g. doubling of the values) is usually unproblematic and does not require a change in the dose of Riluzole or a check of the blood values. Rare side effects (up to 1% of all patients) are anemia (decrease in red blood cells), allergic reactions and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Allergic reactions usually manifest themselves in skin reactions, especially with rashes (exanthema) on the trunk of the body. In this case, the medication should be discontinued permanently. Re-use (even at a reduced dosage) is not possible. Even in the case of allergic reactions, it is up to the treating doctor to decide how to proceed.