carbamazepine

[Heather1987]

Hi all, saw MS nurse yesterday and told her about my muscles cramping and leg and foot spasms. She has suggested I start carbamazepine to see if it helps. Im wondering if anyone has been on this and if it works. What sort of side  effects it has? I see this would be used in trigeminal neuralgia too, which I think Ive had a couple of attacks already. Thanks again heather

[Heather1987]

Thanks everyone. I realize now she started me on carbamazepine for the muscle twitching which has really helped. I also do not get the cramping which Im glad of. The only thing is I still am getting the muscle jerking and jumpy arms and legs. Have to watch my typing too as my fingers sometimes just move unexpectedly and hit the mouse or a key. Wondering if the carbamazepine will work as Ive been told to start taking this during the day too. Anyone offer any advice on taking this drug to help stop the jumping jerking arm or leg movement? Can anyone relate to this ? Is it the spinal lesions that are causing this? Thanks Heather

[figuerpa]

I was on carbamazapine for a while. I my liver enzymes went crazy with it and the combination of all the other meds I was on so I no longer take it, I am on lyrica and it is my life saver.

Just get your blood done regualarly and you should be fine. Mine was caught on a regular check up and we cut out all meds that can affect it. Now I take as little meds as possible, but I do take what is necessary. I am also on a muscle relaxer for spasms so that may be another option for you.

Good luck,
Paula

[Naynay90]

Thanks. I think the most frustrating part is not having answers. If the drs. could just tell me what it is...I haven't been diagnosed and see the neurologist Thursday. I had a life 3 months ago...since then it has been crazy with more than a dozen doctor visits. (Thank God for insurance.)

Renee

[HVAC]

I have constant cramp in leg which I take baclofen. Some folks on the forum go to pain clinics for really bad pain.

Alex

[COBOB]

Sounds like the Tegretol is being used to address the pain, but it may not address the roo cause.  The pain described sounds a lot like the pain associated with spasticity in the legs that many of us have.  Normally the first line treatment is Baclofen to address the spasticity , not the pain.  Once the spasticity is under control, the pain will resolve.

Bob

[Naynay90]

Heather and Alex, have either of you had cramping in one leg only that lasted weeks? It's in my calf, knee, thigh (although the thigh is more shooting pain) and hip (same as thigh). I was given a blood test to check for clotting issues and it came back clear.
Thanks,
Renee

[HVAC]

I was put on it for nerve pain instead of Lyrica which was too expensive for me. I was also put on baclofen for spasm at the same time. May be it works together? It took a little longer to start working then Lyrica which worked the first day. I think it was really a couple weeks. I really notice if I do not take it.

Alex