Feeling fine with MS? Why continuing treatment still matters
Last updated May 19, 2025, by Agata Boxe
Fact-checked by Inês Martins, PhD
If you’ve been taking a multiple sclerosis (MS) medication for a while and feel fine, you might start to wonder if you can take a break from it. But stopping MS treatment on your own might lead to additional damage to your nervous system, resulting in worsening symptoms or the occurrence of new ones.
Only your healthcare provider can decide if a change in medication is necessary. It’s important to continue your treatment as prescribed unless your doctor tells you otherwise; this can help you avoid the potential consequences of stopping MS treatment on your own.
How medication can help people with MS
MS treatment often involves several medications that help with managing MS long term.
Your MS medication list might include therapies that modify the course of the disease, known as MS disease-modifying therapies or DMTs, and medications to address specific symptoms, such as MS fatigue medication, restless leg syndrome medication (as restless leg syndrome co-occurs with MS in some people), or medication for MS spasticity.
MS medication adherence can help with:
- managing MS symptoms, such as fatigue and pain
- lowering MS relapse risk
- slowing disease progression
- improving quality of life
- helping maintain independence
- controlling disease activity
- decreasing the risk of hospitalization.
If you’re feeling fine with MS, it likely means your treatment is working. And, in some cases, consistent use of a medication — especially DMTs — may help to prevent long-term disability.
For example, one study found that people with MS who consistently took a DMT over 15 years had a 19% to 44% lower risk of “disability accrual,” or the gradual worsening of symptoms that may eventually lead to disability, compared with untreated patients. Consistent DMT use was also tied to a 67% lower risk of needing a walking aid.
The frequency of relapses was also 40% to 41% lower in continuously treated patients over 15 years, supporting the use of these therapies as an MS flare prevention strategy.
What can happen if you stop taking MS medication?
The risks of stopping MS medication without your doctor’s approval — even when you feel fine — include:
- worsening symptoms
- appearance of new symptoms
- higher risk of MS relapses
- increased risk of MRI activity
- heightened nervous system damage.
These reasons highlight the importance of continuing to take your MS medications. As MS progresses, it can affect your physical and emotional well-being and may cause symptoms such as:
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- vision problems
- sensitivity to heat
- problems with balance and coordination
- numbness or tingling sensations
- cognitive issues
- frequent urination.
MS treatment compliance may help you avoid some or all of these symptoms.
Seeking medical approval to stop MS medication
In some cases, stopping MS medication may be possible, but only with your doctor’s approval. For example, if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor might modify your MS treatment plan.
And for some people over age 55 with stable MS, research suggests discontinuing their medication may be an option. However, this is controversial and should be determined by providers on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, some MS medications may have side effects, such as headaches or increased fatigue, which may discourage you from taking them. Report these side effects to your doctor so that they can help you address them safely and effectively. They may be able to prescribe you a new MS medication.
You should also not try to treat side effects or symptoms with natural remedies, such as medical cannabis for MS, without consulting your provider first.
Ultimately, communicating regularly with your doctor is key to effective MS treatment. They can help you navigate side effects, make safe adjustments, and find the best treatment plan for your health and lifestyle.
Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
