The medication of choice for MC is mexiletine. However it should not be administered without a full cardiac workup, and patients should be monitored closely on it as it's an older heart medication and can affect the heart. Some people can't tolerate it.

There are other medications. Jan is more familiar with them than I am.

Type of Myotonia: Becker

Country: USA

Here is a list for you. The first name is the generic name of the medication, the second is the common brand name in the US:

Mexiletine (Mexitil) - this seems to be the most effective for the most people. This is an oral version of lidocaine and is used to treat heart arrhythmias. You need a full cardiac workup as Jenna said, as well as monitoring.

Flecainide (Flecaine) - not quite as effective but gives some relief for most people. Also used to treat heart arrhythmias.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) - effective for many people. This is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that affects pH and acts as a diuretic. It is often used to treat high altitude sickness.

Phenytoin (Dilantin) - one of the oldest treatments for MC. Primarily used as an anti-epilepsy medication. Works okay for some people.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)- another anti-seizure medication. Seems to work well for certain mutations. I do NOT recommend this drug because of the nature of the mental side effects.

Quinine Sulfate - this is another very old treatment for MC. It used to be very inexpensive until the FDA required drug companies to pay millions to recertify. Normally used to treat malaria. It's found in quinine water, but the US has started regulating it to the point that the amount in something like Canada Dry is so small it would have a negligible effect.

All mediations have side effects and the benefits need to be weighed with the risks. They should all be given in a titrated dose starting with a smaller amount and working up to the full dose gradually to monitor for reactions. Never exceed the recommended dosage and never take a double dose if you missed a previous dose.

Jan

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen's

Country: USA

Try exercise first. Really. Nothing else can help as much with as few side effects. Not for MC.

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen's

Country: USA