I started taking Rilutek 4 days ago...:)  The refills go through 04/02/14....so, hopefully that is a good sign that I will be able to still function at  that point let alone still be here.
There is no cure for ALS....only this one medication that has been approved for use...in hopes of extending life a few more months at most...
per WebMD >

"This medication is used to treat a certain type of nerve disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease). Riluzole helps to slow down the worsening of this disease and prolong survival. However, it is not a cure for ALS, and it does not reverse nerve damage or muscle weakness. Riluzole is thought to work by protecting the nerves in the brain and spinal cord from too much of a natural substance called glutamate that may be part of the cause of nerve damage."

"How to use Rilutek Oral"

"Take this medication by mouth, usually every 12 hours on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or as directed by your doctor."

I am only taking 1 per day until next week, then, I begin 1 tab two times a day as above^

So far, the worst part of this med. IS I take about 8 other prescribed meds/vitamin supplements and they all have particular times for consumption...and, one is for GERD/larynesophegeal silent relfux.  That requires me to take them an hour + before bedtime, or I have issues as a result of laying down to sleep.  It is really a juggling act :)

...and so,  :) (smile) WHAT IF, I were unknowingly taking part in a 'clinical trial' and was actually taking a 'placebo' rather than the Rilutek ?   At $50 a month for the one prescription O-O-P,   I know my dh would be more than a little p=o'd.