Baclofen and my new MS Specialist

Yesterday, I went to the new MS Specialist and really like her.  She listened and genuinely seemed concerned about my questions and symptoms.  She has prescribed Baclofen for the muscle spasticity and I took my first pill last night.  I slept real well and actually felt a little difference in my leg muscle.  She has also prescribed Nuvigil for the fatigue.  I'm anxious to see how it works and hope it helps in the daytime after I take my daily doses of Baclofen.  I'm going to take a whole Baclofen pill at night time and 1/2 pill twice a day.  I'd be interested in seeing how others have done on the Baclofen and the difference between the pills and the pump.

[Wobbly]

Hi Deb.. glad you like the Neuro..and hope you feel better with the meds.. I haven't tried either of them so can't give any opinion..

take care
wobbly

[Quixotic1]

The pump is used as a last resort as it is surgically implanted to deliver the med into the CSF.  That is a major deal.

Congrats on the new neuro.  I KNOW they are out there.  that is why it is worthwhile searching.

Q

[sllowe]

Hi Deb,

Baclofen worked well for me. Controlled my spasms (decreased them) and stiffness w/out major side affects. I've not taken anything for fatigue yet. It's good you are already feeling progress. Once you get to a full daily dosing (which sounds like they are giving you 30?) with those I'd venture to say you'll be feeling much better.

I believe the pump is more spot specific and goes right into the CNS, and would be an option for those who do not respond to the pills.

Yay for the new good specialist!!!!! Got you a good one!
-Shell

[jensequitur]

I've heard that the pump delivers a lower dose of Baclofen, but it stays in your system the whole time.  With the pill, you get a lump of baclofen every four hours.  So people that are having to take a lot of oral Baclofen would be better off with a pump, because they would actually have less in their system.

[Sarahsmom46]

Wish I could give you a long-term usage feedback, but I ended up be allergic to it.  For the time I was on it though, it worked.  Hope it works for you.  

I take zanaflex or tzanidine, the generic, and it works pretty well.  But, if I had my choice, I'd prefer the baclofen.  Good-luck with it and the fatigue med.  

Julie