Not sure I can discuss these meds? Anyway the big 3 muscle relaxers I know of are Baclofen, Tizanadine, and Dantrolene. Have any of you had success with one of these? I have tried all 3 for spasticity and I might as well be taking candy…nothing.
My Neurologist is now suggesting Gabapentin: your thoughts?
@Nigelglos I have nerve pain down the arm from cervical stenosis. The Doc. says it has been known to help with spasticity. He is a well known neurologist in New Jersey.
@Nigelglos thanks for the info…very much.
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I have tried Baclofen and Gabapentin. Neither has made any noticeable difference. I was taking 2,700mg of Gabapentin and the only effects were to turn me into a zombie. I’m currently trying a low dose of Amitriptyline, but they don’t seem to be having much effect either. I’m also trying CBD oil, but it’s early days yet.
I’m running out of things to try. Botox didn’t help either.
Everyone has different experiences. I hope you have more luck than me!
Hi, I’m 6 years post following a hemorrhagic stroke which paralysed my left side. I’ve been taking Baclofen and Amitriptyline since I was in hospital and can honestly say, neither have been very effective. I have also had botox injections whuch weren’t very effective either. I do sometimes wonder what my spasticity would be like if I wasn’t taking any of these ??
Sorry this reply isn’t very helpful, just trying to be honest. There maybe someone on here who has great results. Hope you find something that works well for you.
Regards Sue
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@Susan_Jane
@MinnieB
Thank you both for the info. It certainly is frustrating eh?
I’ve noticed when taking a dose of baclofen or tizanidine and it wears off, my spasticity comes on stronger.
@SimonInEdinburgh
Thanks Simon. I’ll give it a peek.
@Nigelglos I spoke to a good friend who was on Gabapentin. She stopped abruptly and she went into a deep depression that lasted for months she actually wanted to “not” go on living. It was that horrible. Thank goodness she is much better now. The internet has many stories of bad side effects… So…I just don’t know if the risk is worth it.
Sorry: I’m sure the drug may have helped many others, I’m just a bit paranoid.
@Nigelglos Very Good points and noted: thanks.
I wonder if that breathing problem is like mine. I didn’t know that my spasticity was also affecting the muscles around my ribs ( serratus magnus ?) On days where my spasticity is strong, it is hard to take a full breath.
Funny thing; I took my first 300mg. dose of Gabapentin last night as experiment. It actually kept me awake all night. So many have said it is a sleep aid.