Methods for treating a demyelinating condition in a subject in need of treatment are provided. In some aspects the methods encompass administering to the subject an amount of a Ca.sup.2+-channel blocker effective to treat the demyelinating condition. In other aspects, the methods encompass administering to the subject an amount of a glutamate inhibitor effective to treat the demyelinating condition. In additional aspects, the methods encompass administering to the subject a Ca.sup.2+-channel blocker in combination with a glutamate inhibitor, in amounts effective to treat the demyelinating condition. In still other aspects, the methods encompass administering to the subject a Ca.sup.2+-channel blocker in combination with a hypertensive agent, in amounts effective to treat the demyelinating condition. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions having a Ca.sup.2+-channel blocker, a glutamate inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Additionally, pharmaceutical compositions having a Ca.sup.2+-channel blocker, a hypertensive agent, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier are provided.