How can someone with severe myasthenia gravis get help when Mestinon isn't working?
It sounds incredibly difficult to be going through this without accessible support. Please seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing any of these warning signs:
* Trouble breathing
* Difficulty swallowing (not just fatigue Show Full Answer
How can someone with severe myasthenia gravis get help when Mestinon isn't working?
It sounds incredibly difficult to be going through this without accessible support. Please seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing any of these warning signs:
* Trouble breathing
* Difficulty swallowing (not just fatigue with chewing, but trouble getting food down)
* Difficulty holding your head up
These symptoms indicate your MG may be worsening and could require hospitalization for monitoring or a change in treatment. Don't wait to reach your neurologist if you're experiencing these symptoms—go to an emergency room. What treatments help beyond Mestinon?
Mestinon alone may not be enough for severe MG. While it can help some people, it doesn't work well for everyone and can cause stomach-related side effects that are hard to tolerate.
Other treatment options your doctors should consider include:
* Corticosteroids for immune system control
* Immunosuppressants
* Newer treatments like eculizumab, ravulizumab, or efgartigimod
* Surgery (thymectomy) in some cases
If Mestinon isn't helping and you can't reach your neurologist, consider going to an emergency department where they can assess your symptoms and potentially start other treatments. A MGteam member shared a similar experience, noting they struggled after starting treatment and needed adjustments.
You deserve proper care, and severe symptoms warrant urgent attention.
November 4, 2025