What can people with MS do to best handle hot and humid weather?

Question:
I live on the east coast where the weather is most unpredictable! my question is to Dr Kinkel since he lived here and is familiar with the ups and downs of the temperature.

When symptoms of weakness come on when the weather is humid, is it ok that my legs get so weak that I can't stand up for more than 5 minutes or so? What can one take to slow down this progression of what I'm told now is secondary progressive? Treating the symptoms of weakness with exercise and physical therapy is not seeming to be enough! Thank you for your answer in advance. 

​Answer:
As you know hot weather tends to make MS patients melt (weaken) especially if is humid and cold weather makes you stiffen.

The best solutions is order are:
-air conditioning
-cooling vests, hats or collars
-avoiding medications that can raise body temperature in hot weather. Medications to control bladder/urine symptoms, depression and pain all can make it more difficult to sweat and eliminate excess heat. Just getting rid of these medications can improve your symptoms
-a trial of Ampyra if the above fails

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Clinical Neurosciences Director
University of California San Diego