Zanaflex Your experiences with this medication

tt89 · Family Member Joined: Aug 13, 2008 Posts: 49 Location: USA

Hello Everyone,

I'm not on anything for my MS except the Copaxone which I really want to stop soon. I stopped all the stuff they gave me to go along with the MS issues ( Provigil, Baclofen, Neurontin...) I just hated them.

My new doc wanted me to try a small dose at night of Zanaflex. He gave me the Rx for it, I have yet to fill it because I really wanted to get others thoughts on this. I was given this one time to try as a sample but according to my new neuro, my old neuro gave me way to high a dose and that's why I got so sick on it and could not even function.

Anyone use Zanaflex and what is your experience with it?

For the first time in I can't remember when....I had to stay out of work today. I was in horrible pain and had to cave in and take the emergency pain meds they gave me ( Lortab). I only took 1/2 the dose and it helped the pain and I slept all day but I try to do without all that....but I've used that maybe 3 times since Feb for pain that is beyond what I can handle like today.

He feels taking a small dose of Zanaflex at night would help me get up in the morning in less pain. I have to do something to get this pain under control. An MS Nurse asked me if I have been tested for anything else to see if maybe something else is going on to make the MS worse....but like what? I mean this whole thing is just getting to me. Pity Party moment: Can I have my life back before this monster MS please!!!!!

My pain was bad today and the cramps were like if I tried to strech I was getting charlies horses in every muscle I have in me... Sad

Mostly my legs...and I had a ton of tingling in the right side...arm

Jimmylegs: I picked up the magnesium. Started it yesterday Smile

Thanks to all.

gwa · Family Elder Joined: Dec 02, 2005 Posts: 847

I noticed that no one has answered your post, but many must be like me and have never tried this med. Sorry that you are not getting feedback on it.

gwa

jimmylegs · Family Elder Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1999

ohhh glad i checked this one out. normally i would have missed that you said something aimed at me, sorry. glad you started the mag. it really sounds like it should do you some good. what form did you find? how much per pill? how many per day?
my leg muscle seized yesterday, the back of my left thigh. it tends to happen in a particular circumstance, when i've also skipped the mag for a day or two. i hadn't taken my mag for a few days. i took it today! Embarassed

Grumpster · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject:

Pity Parties have been my specialty as of late. I have a Rx for Zanaflex. Dr gave it to me for stiffness / muscle pain, to take at night. Well let me tell you it knocks me out cold. I do not know the dose off hand 10mg maybe. I take 1/2 before bed sometimes and it knocks me out. Taking it during the day?? Wow, I would not be able to. I hope your experience is different. I also hope you start to feel better. I have had extreme vertigo for 2 months and I can not describe that except that it is no good. I hate to see others who are having such a tough time with the MS Crap!!

Best Regards, G

gabelle · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:27 am Post subject:

I have taken the zanaflex (i believe the 10mg), it relaxes my muscles too much and I can not function. I tried taking half and still too much, tried it at night only, with no difference.

I went back to baclofen but now even that is too much. I now need the stiffness in order to be able to use my legs for pulling up and pivoting.

jimmylegs · Family Elder Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1999

do try magnesium citrate 600-1200mg daily, split up so that you take some with and some away from any daily intake of d3, for a far less debilitating reduction in muscle stiffness. in fact it's not debilitating at all. it can help you sleep at night, it doesn't knock out your energy though, and you can still function during the day. the worst that might happen is a temporary bit of a loose GI tract if you take doses too close together.