Aa
Answer to the Robitussin topic from earlier this month.
Sorry guys, I guess I got one of the remedies mixed up in my head. The "Robitussin" treatment helps with the widespread pain...I'm guessing it may be why I find so much relief when I combine this with a hot tub! Sorry ot has taken me so ling to post...It's been a rough week or so.
How Can Dextromethorphan Help Fibromyalgia
While a cough medicine does not seem like it would be much help to those with fibromyalgia symptoms, recent studies suggest that dextromethorphan may actually be a suitable treatment for fibromyalgia patients. In particular, dextromethorphan is thought to be able to relieve:
•widespread pain
•muscle stiffness
Dextromethorphan treatment may also help to pinpoint the true cause of fibromyalgia syndrome, allowing for the development of new, more effective treatments.
How Does Dextromethorphan Work?
When it comes to treating fibromyalgia, dextromethorphan works by targeting the central nervous system. For some reason, fibromyalgia patients experience pain sensations that often snowball, becoming very painful. A mere tap on the shoulder can set you off, and then, any future bumps or bruises cause this pain to magnify. Fibromyalgia health care providers often refer to this as the "windup".
This wind up is believed to occur in the central nervous system, and is probably caused by faulty pain messages that are sent between the brain and spinal cord. Dextromethorphan appears to prevent this "wind up" by blocking pain messages from being sent to the brain and spinal cord. In particular, dextromethorphan works on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), a chemical that transports pain signals from the brain to the spinal cord.
The Dextromethorphan Studies
Studies analyzing the effects of dextromethorphan on fibromyalgia patients were performed by the University of Florida. Published in the Journal of Pain, these studies suggest that dextromethorphan may be extremely effective in the fight against fibromyalgia pain.
The studies involved 24 women, including 14 suffering from fibromyalgia. Each woman was giving continual taps on the head (using a rubber-tipped or heat-tipped, probe) in order to engage her pain reflexes. The force of the taps and the heat of the probe were adjusted to be exactly the same on each study participant, to ensure that pain sensations were the same. The women were divided into three groups with the first receiving 60 milligrams of dextromethorphan, the second 90 milligrams of the drug, and the final group a placebo tablet. After being administered the drug, the study participants were asked to rate their pain sensations.
Upon completion of the study, it was shown that the participants that received dextromethorphan had much lower pain sensations than those who received the placebo drug. Those who received a dosage of 90 milligrams experienced the greatest pain improvement.
Who Shouldn’t Use Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan should not be taken by all fibromyalgia patients. Those who are currently taking MAOI antidepressants should not take dextromethorphan as the two react badly together. Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should also avoid dextromethorphan.
How Can Dextromethorphan Help Fibromyalgia
While a cough medicine does not seem like it would be much help to those with fibromyalgia symptoms, recent studies suggest that dextromethorphan may actually be a suitable treatment for fibromyalgia patients. In particular, dextromethorphan is thought to be able to relieve:
•widespread pain
•muscle stiffness
Dextromethorphan treatment may also help to pinpoint the true cause of fibromyalgia syndrome, allowing for the development of new, more effective treatments.
How Does Dextromethorphan Work?
When it comes to treating fibromyalgia, dextromethorphan works by targeting the central nervous system. For some reason, fibromyalgia patients experience pain sensations that often snowball, becoming very painful. A mere tap on the shoulder can set you off, and then, any future bumps or bruises cause this pain to magnify. Fibromyalgia health care providers often refer to this as the "windup".
This wind up is believed to occur in the central nervous system, and is probably caused by faulty pain messages that are sent between the brain and spinal cord. Dextromethorphan appears to prevent this "wind up" by blocking pain messages from being sent to the brain and spinal cord. In particular, dextromethorphan works on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), a chemical that transports pain signals from the brain to the spinal cord.
The Dextromethorphan Studies
Studies analyzing the effects of dextromethorphan on fibromyalgia patients were performed by the University of Florida. Published in the Journal of Pain, these studies suggest that dextromethorphan may be extremely effective in the fight against fibromyalgia pain.
The studies involved 24 women, including 14 suffering from fibromyalgia. Each woman was giving continual taps on the head (using a rubber-tipped or heat-tipped, probe) in order to engage her pain reflexes. The force of the taps and the heat of the probe were adjusted to be exactly the same on each study participant, to ensure that pain sensations were the same. The women were divided into three groups with the first receiving 60 milligrams of dextromethorphan, the second 90 milligrams of the drug, and the final group a placebo tablet. After being administered the drug, the study participants were asked to rate their pain sensations.
Upon completion of the study, it was shown that the participants that received dextromethorphan had much lower pain sensations than those who received the placebo drug. Those who received a dosage of 90 milligrams experienced the greatest pain improvement.
Who Shouldn’t Use Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan should not be taken by all fibromyalgia patients. Those who are currently taking MAOI antidepressants should not take dextromethorphan as the two react badly together. Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should also avoid dextromethorphan.
Best Answer
Hi all, i know that this thread is quite old now... but i have abused DXM in super high doses as an antidepressant, then became a user/abuser for 3 months (700-1200mg+) at least twice a week and have ceased usage 8 months, all i can say is i totally regret it because of how its destroyed my CNS and caused me to have even more depression, anxiety, paranoia (also bringing back my PSTD) than i already had in the past as well as my basic cognitive skills. I'm told i'm articulate but i only see it behind a screen and in person i lack in so many things and quite slow. I recently was diagnosed with a Chiari malformation type 1 around 5 months ago and it has been hell ever since and i use to smoke marijuana for years on end (also for self medication for mental health including insomnia, also believing now it was possibly sedating and assisting Chiari symptoms) and ever since i got myself completely clean off everything i truly can feel pain nonstop everyday getting all the symptoms of Chiari that are known including eye problems, skin and raynuards that never goes away. Due to my appearance (dreadlocks, piercings, tattoos including a face one) i've been treated like a moron who has no idea whats going on and "just a drug abuser" so my Chiari symptoms must be "from drug abuse and all in my head" and my god am i over being constantly given the run around. I've found most of problems through extensive research and others suffering online and confirming with my doctor.
I advise (as a former self medicator/user/abuser) to be very careful with dextro. as it can lead to psychological abuse and withdrawals if repeated in short periods even in small doses and is a VERY powerful mild altering dissociative substance (then again i exceed limits beyond my weight if used recreationally.)
i want to know one thing though that i cant seem to find at all no matter how much research i've tried scoping out and making all my notes about Chiari and drug abuse.
******Is it possible that drug abuse (including alcohol, especially DXM, MDMA, and antihistamines) can cause a Chiari malformation due to brain swelling?*****
I've spoken to a neurologist after my MRI showing nothing but the Chiari (who's judgement and knowledge towards me about the brain in general/substances/Chiari was appalling) and told me to do nothing about it and nothing is necessary as my symptoms don't match with Chiari even though there's over 30 of them. i don't seek sympathy or play the woe is me card when i write this and i constantly have to say it to feel validation towards everyone as im seen as a joke 99% of the time, I feel completely helpless as im 25 with absolutely no social life whatsoever (social phobia let alone social skills in person) except seeing my therapists or doctor..
p.s. I do know the consequences behind drug abuse, and in the past it was pretty bad and i've been through withdrawals of other "heavier" substances. This feeling of death and deterioration is nothing i've ever experienced and i'm losing my mind and wanting to end myself as morbid as it sounds, this is something i just want fixed and not something i want to live with for the rest of my life. Therapy and trialed medications have only made things worse mentally, physically and emotionally.
I advise (as a former self medicator/user/abuser) to be very careful with dextro. as it can lead to psychological abuse and withdrawals if repeated in short periods even in small doses and is a VERY powerful mild altering dissociative substance (then again i exceed limits beyond my weight if used recreationally.)
i want to know one thing though that i cant seem to find at all no matter how much research i've tried scoping out and making all my notes about Chiari and drug abuse.
******Is it possible that drug abuse (including alcohol, especially DXM, MDMA, and antihistamines) can cause a Chiari malformation due to brain swelling?*****
I've spoken to a neurologist after my MRI showing nothing but the Chiari (who's judgement and knowledge towards me about the brain in general/substances/Chiari was appalling) and told me to do nothing about it and nothing is necessary as my symptoms don't match with Chiari even though there's over 30 of them. i don't seek sympathy or play the woe is me card when i write this and i constantly have to say it to feel validation towards everyone as im seen as a joke 99% of the time, I feel completely helpless as im 25 with absolutely no social life whatsoever (social phobia let alone social skills in person) except seeing my therapists or doctor..
p.s. I do know the consequences behind drug abuse, and in the past it was pretty bad and i've been through withdrawals of other "heavier" substances. This feeling of death and deterioration is nothing i've ever experienced and i'm losing my mind and wanting to end myself as morbid as it sounds, this is something i just want fixed and not something i want to live with for the rest of my life. Therapy and trialed medications have only made things worse mentally, physically and emotionally.
Hope you feel better soon. I normally take it anywhere from 2 times a week to 4 times a week. I try and keep it to a min. though so my body doesnt get used to it. I know it sounds crazy,...but I have a theory on how when you take the same thing over and over it can actually stop helping as much. Good Luck :)
So do you take this every day? I thought it was funny because I need this for a cold also so I'll have to wait until my cold goes away to see if it is helping fibro. Please let me know how often you take this? Thanks
Hope it helps you all like it does for me. I had to go and get a new bottle last night. The last couple of days have been really rough ones in the pain and HA areas. At 3am I was in the tub...lol. Please, let me know if it works for you guys! I would love to see you all get a little relief !!!!
I also was dx'd with fibr. on this chirian journey. After reading your post I went right out and got some. Thanks also for the dosage I wasn't sure about that. I am going to try this. I'll let you know. Thanks again, anything is worth a good night's rest.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Thanks for the dosing instructions along with the hot bath info....I forgot that part too...lol....
I can not wait to tell my mom about this to see if it helps her...and I will be trying it as well.
: )
Selma, he told me to take the regular 2 tsp. dosage for adults :whatever is on the bottle. I normally take a dose and then wait about 30 minutes, get into the hot bath, and then about 2 hrs. later, I take a "follow - up" dose.It's a total of about 4 hrs between doses, and the second one always seems to seal the deal :)
drewlevas- I would most certainly ask your dr about it first, just to make sure. We all know that "none" of us need any " _extra_ " pains or problems.
drewlevas- I would most certainly ask your dr about it first, just to make sure. We all know that "none" of us need any " _extra_ " pains or problems.
I never take cough medicine because of heart palpitations, but you are tempting me here! I wonder! I should ask my doctor about this.
That is so interesting about Dextrmethorphan. Thank-you for the info!
When I am in need of major rest and my pain levels are through the roof, I sometimes take time off from life. I take Niquel (which has dextromethorphan) and go onto bedrest for a day or two. I just found that this worked for me, on my own by chance. Good to know that there is a "reason" for my madness :)
I do this maybe two-three times a month. I always clear it with the hubby first as I will be pretty sleepy for a day or two and of little use. Even the hubby will cozy up the bed and go onto soup duty, when i do this. It is very cute.
By the way, I am dx'd with fibromyalgia along with an ongoing csf leak. So this forced bedrest is something that helps "us" a lot.
Horselip
When I am in need of major rest and my pain levels are through the roof, I sometimes take time off from life. I take Niquel (which has dextromethorphan) and go onto bedrest for a day or two. I just found that this worked for me, on my own by chance. Good to know that there is a "reason" for my madness :)
I do this maybe two-three times a month. I always clear it with the hubby first as I will be pretty sleepy for a day or two and of little use. Even the hubby will cozy up the bed and go onto soup duty, when i do this. It is very cute.
By the way, I am dx'd with fibromyalgia along with an ongoing csf leak. So this forced bedrest is something that helps "us" a lot.
Horselip
COMMUNITY LEADER
I thought that is what u said and wanted to make sure ...my Dh always says r u sure? then I doubt myself....ugh...so I had to ask..thanks : )
And did ur Dr give u suggestions as to how to take it...what dose?
Do u follow the instructions on the bottle or is there a better way to take it for these symptoms?
It is the Robitussin DM, or any over the counter stire brand equivalent. The CF and others have additional ingredients that are not neccessary and do not help.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Which Robitussin is that now?...D...CF...??? sorry I do not remember but thought there was initials behind it.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I was Dx'd with Fibro yrs ago, I have since been told I have EDS not fibro...so, this may help me as well...who knows.
If u want to select a best answer to ne post u create, once u open the thread and read the comments a option to click on best answer with show in each post...select the one u feel is the best to what ur question was...if, u did not post a question, there is no need to select a best answer.
"selma"
Ok....so not sure how there was a best answer picked...I didn't click anything. LOL
Hope it helps anyone who finds it .,... Going to put it in my notes too, so if someone needs for reference it is available without digging :)
Selma, to be honest I was dx'd with fibro a year ago, and I am still not sure I have it. I am not convinced and won't be until I see a specialist.
It does however lessen the intensity of my headaches too. You contribute so much to this forum, and I truely thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have learned so much that I had questions about , and even learned alot of questions that I should be asking. I will continue to share any info I think may be helpful in any way!
Hope it helps anyone who finds it .,... Going to put it in my notes too, so if someone needs for reference it is available without digging :)
Selma, to be honest I was dx'd with fibro a year ago, and I am still not sure I have it. I am not convinced and won't be until I see a specialist.
It does however lessen the intensity of my headaches too. You contribute so much to this forum, and I truely thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have learned so much that I had questions about , and even learned alot of questions that I should be asking. I will continue to share any info I think may be helpful in any way!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Chiari Malformation Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
