Baclofen for spasticity

[jimmylegs]

1eye, what's your serum mag level?

anyone taking baclofen know it?

for any new readers, minimum serum magnesium level should be 0.90 mmol/L.

the 'normal' range is 0.70-1.10 mmol/L.

fyi taking mag along with cal and d3 (a common mix) can actually impair your overall magnesium status due to the interactions. some mag needs to go in on its own or with other things that won't affect absorption.

hth!

[Tracker]

I was taking 4x25mg daily+ another 25mg at about 3.a.m for spasticity. Leg stiffness was getting worse, cramps etc, so I was reliant on Baclofen.

Then a fellow MSer told me that tonic water was relieveing cramps in a major way, so I started drinking a glass in the morning and another at night.

Magic. Leg stiffness & cramps greatly reduced, and I really notice if I miss a drink of tonic water.

I now only take 1x25mg per day, and that is usually if I am going out and want to make sure my legs don't stiffen up.

[jimmylegs]

tracker have you ever had serum magnesium tested? i will re-post the quinine (ie tonic water) impact on ca:mg ratio in (frog) muscles. interesting!

The effects of quinine on the calcium and magnesium content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the temperature-dependence of quinine contractures
http://www.springerlink.com/content/k536n165q8t67kx4/
"A significant decrease in the Ca2+ and increase in the Mg2+ content of the terminal cisternae (TC) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) during quinine contraction was demonstrated"

[THEGREEKFROMTHED]

I was taking 4x25mg daily+ another 25mg at about 3.a.m for spasticity. Leg stiffness was getting worse, cramps etc, so I was reliant on Baclofen.

Then a fellow MSer told me that tonic water was relieveing cramps in a major way, so I started drinking a glass in the morning and another at night.

Magic. Leg stiffness & cramps greatly reduced, and I really notice if I miss a drink of tonic water.

I now only take 1x25mg per day, and that is usually if I am going out and want to make sure my legs don't stiffen up.

CMON ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????like just regular tonic water???CANADA DRY WITH QUININE?

[KateCW]

Sorry to change the subject, but what is HiCy?

I am on a wait list for a Baclofen pump, which mean 10-12 months here in Calgary. I am half asleep on Baclofen and Tizanidine, and I also take 4-AP and LDN.

[jimmylegs]

TGFTM - the quinine in the tonic water can apparently have an effect on the mineral ratio in muscle tissue, increasing the mag and decreasing the calcium.

if your diet tends to be high in calcium and low in magnesium, and your lifestyle depletes magnesium further, then the high magnesium regimen you are on should help counter.

i would NOT depend fully on quinine to correct magnesium deficiency.

[Tracker]

TGFTM - yup, deadly serious!! Tonic water with Quinnine is an old remedy for leg cramps.

I drink a 300ml bottle of tonic water/day, and I am finding it significantly Better than Baclofen!

I have taken Baclofen for many years 4 x25 mg, so am very aware of the difference.

All my mineral levels are fine, so this may be a factor why it works well for me.

However, it doesn't hurt to give it a try. Just add it to your Baclofen regime at first, then miss one pill, and test the water...

[jimmylegs]

mineral levels can be 'fine' ie within the 'normal' range, or they can be 'optimal'.

for example, serum magnesium is 'fine' above 0.70 mmol/L, but low magnesium signs/symptoms can be seen when serum levels drop below 0.90 mmol/L.

[THEGREEKFROMTHED]

TGFTM - yup, deadly serious!! Tonic water with Quinnine is an old remedy for leg cramps.

I drink a 300ml bottle of tonic water/day, and I am finding it significantly Better than Baclofen!

I have taken Baclofen for many years 4 x25 mg, so am very aware of the difference.

All my mineral levels are fine, so this may be a factor why it works well for me.

However, it doesn't hurt to give it a try. Just add it to your Baclofen regime at first, then miss one pill, and test the water...

IM DRINKING IT..NO MAGIC YET...ID DRINK RAT PISS IF IT WOULD HELP...IM DYING...

[jimmylegs]

dammit greek, we have to get this figured out for you! you stopped the d3 too right? you've been doing the mag, multi, b-complex and zinc for a week or so now, too, yes? if this keeps up and your magnesium levels do not get up into the normal range, let alone the upper half of the normal range, we will have to take a much closer look at co-factors.

[andreagwolford]

If you are taking Baclofen, it is important to know and understand that there are many serious side effects that should be dealt with by a doctor. If you experience chest pain, or experience any type of skin irritation or rash, it is important to make an appointment with a medical professional. In addition to this, ringing and other unusual sounds in the ears, experiencing mood fluctuations such as depression and media, blood in the urine, and even hallucinations or fainting while taking Baclofen, it is imperative that you seek medical help. These symptoms can result in many underlying medical issues that can be detrimental to your overall health. By knowing the potentially challenging side effects of Baclofen, you can weigh the pros and cons in order to determine if this type of medication is right for you.