Drugs for Muscle Pain

[shelleyannjohnson]

I am currently taking zanaflex for muscle pain. Up to this point I have only taken it before bedtime, as it completely knocks me out.

However, lately, my muscle pain in my left leg has been increasingly intense during the day. Does anyone has any suggestions or recommendations for muscle relaxers that can be used during the day, without the side effects of sleepiness?

I would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks!

[abulafia]

I smoke pot (dr. rx). I do not like pain drugs...and soma! soma-coma! It seems however that I am going to need to do something else because pot doesn't stop the spasms or prevent them, it relaxes them and takes my mind off them, and I have reached (Irather rapidly, INMO) the point where I can't take the pain. I must have a high tfolerance to pain if I can have a tooth filled w/out novacaine, I feel like I have to stoic about all this and I don't want to be foggy-groggy-skewed in any way...what do you do at night when you *have to get up*?

[Fluffysmom]

I was taking zanaflex at bed time for muscle spasm for quite a while, then developed a weird side-effect; when I closed my eyes, I saw like a kaliedascope of flowers and patterns, sometimes in color, others black and grey.  

My PCP said I needed to stop taking it, and switched me to diazepam, 5 mg. at bedtime, with an OK to take 2.5 if occasionally if muscle spasms are bad.

Diazepam seems to get a bad rap, and with my list of medications, has raised the eyebrows of new doctors.  I've considered Baclofen, since it seems to be of so much help to others here.  I'll ask my PCP if it would be a sensible change, as the spasms during the day are worse, and I don't want to take more diazepam.

I take Lyrica for Restless Legs, so its interesting to me to hear about other peoples "cocktails" to help all the symptoms.

I hope the Baclofen helps you.

Kathy

[Zacksmomi]

I am currently taking Baclofen also which made a huge difference with only 10mg 3x a day.  It was not perfect though as I have spasticity in my hip and shoulder that the Baclofen just doesn't stop.  My GP gave me xanax 1/2 to 1mg up to 3 times a day as needed.  The Xanax helps alot but it makes everything extremely mellow if you will. At first I could only take 1/2mg at night and I would sleep like a rock.  Now I take 1mg whenever my hip won't cooperate and it really helps. I have been able to deal with the side effects pretty well.
My new neuro wants to switch me to zanaflex but he decided to double my Baclofen to 20mg 3x a day.  this made no difference at all.  I am thinking about trying the Zanaflex.  It is definately a good idea, I think, to switch meds once in a while as I believe our bodies get a tolerance for meds and they don't tend to do their job as well.
The switch to Baclofen should help you.

D

[shelleyannjohnson]

Thank you so much for your opinions and personal experiences. It means alot to me, to know how others have responded to a drug.

I am going to ask my neuro about changing from Zanaflex to Baclofen.

Thanks so much!

[young at heart]

SHELLY;

BACLOFEN IS A BENEFICIAL MED FOR SPASMS AND PAIN.

ZANAFLEX IS GOOD, HOWEVER IT HAS IT DRAW BACKS. MY BACLOFEN HAS HELPED GREATLY,HOWEVER I AM ON A COMBINATION OF MEDS FOR SPASMS AND PAIN.

T-LYNN

[Tammy826]

I was put on zanaflex also at my last Drs. appt. It is helping some & I am getting more sleep than I was. I was told to take it 3 times a day but I also get very groggy. I also take Mirapex for restless legs(he upped my dose of this) but none of it completely takes away the spasms,& I still don't sleep all night. If you find a magic cure please let me know, I would love some rest!!! For some reason the increased dose of Mirapex has helped, do you take this also?

[Ufrustrated2]

I have found Baclofen to be beneficial. It is an odd medicine for me due to it seems so subtle in it's effects. Though, I notice it is doing it's job when I don't take it.

Funny thing though, I was originally given Baclofen for neck pain and spasms asscociated with my neck problems a few years ago. Like I mentioned it is subtle. Now, my local neuro prescribes it for me now for "demyelinating disease of the CNS".  I do give it a thumbs up.

I have zanaflex but it "El-Kabonged" me good when trying to get out of bed. So that one I don't take much at all. You want the discomfort to ease up a bit, stop the tossing and turning and grab a deep sleep, but gee, waking up feeling like you have a ball-n-chain wrapped around your shoulders, too much for me -- so i understand your symtpoms you speak about.

Give Baclofen a try. Everyone has their own "cocktail" that they find works for them, so your mileage may vary.

[LLWB]

I take Baclophen for muscle spasms. At first when I changed over from Trazadone, the Baclophen made me a little sleepy. But after about a week I am fine with it during the day.

[Lulu54]

Hi SAJ,
I am fortunate and take nothing yet for pain or spasms so I can't be of any help with your question.  Hopefully someone else will come through with some answers for you.

feel better,
Lu