Which drug is known to improve survival in ALS patients?

Riluzole is the drug that has been shown to improve survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for ALS. Riluzole works by decreasing the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter that may be toxic in excessive amounts, thereby helping to slow the progression of the disease and prolonging life.

Evidence from clinical trials indicates that Riluzole can prolong life by several months and may delay the need for ventilatory support. This has made it an important part of the management of ALS, as it not only addresses some of the symptoms but also provides a tangible benefit in terms of survival duration.

In contrast, while dopamine, gabapentin, and amantadine may have their roles in treating various neurological conditions or symptoms associated with other disorders, they do not have the same evidence base for survival benefits specifically in ALS.