Hello offinthedistance,

Medication; what types, when and how much are always a tough call. In the end, we all need to make these decisions in consideration of our own situation, our observations and the information that we have.

For example, there have been times that I would have almost sold my soul to be free of the pain from TM or the full on flexor spasms that sometimes hit in the legs because most medications are a double edged sword for me. This is because I also have regional enteritis and have had a large portion of intestine already removed. Many medications affect intestinal integrity and can send that inflammatory condition into an acute stage with its own host of hellish symptoms.
Similarly, I also must keep a watchful eye on compromised liver function which is due to past peritonitis and the heavy hitter medications and treatments that went with that. Subsequently, the liver is not as good as it is for some when it comes to metabolizing (clearing) medications. Experience has revealed that the liver may also begin to fail in its other functions while taking some medications (most of the opiods).

Recently Baclofen taken at night when spasticity and pain have been keeping me awake too much has helped with relieving those symptoms; but I can not take it every night due a delay in clearing it and the subsequent carry over of its effects on my cognition and coordination into the day time.

Such is the case for many of us who have a particularly severe symptom but must consider a medication's potential effect on other health issues.

So while pain meds do relieve pain, they may at the same time ignite other health issues that one lives with; and that is often a major concern.
Another consideration is how well one functions while taking a particular medication. If it causes too much of an impact on cognition, body coordination or function in other areas, it may not be worth it at times, and at others it may very well be.

Giving careful consideration to these points may help you to decide on a pain relief regime that may involve taking medication at certain times like in the evenings; or you may decide to take something for a bit to see if the side effects wear off (they often do).

It may also take a bit of experimentation with medication type, dose, timing etc before you find something that both works well for you and doesn't 'upset the apple cart'.
Discussing your observations and concerns with your MD and/or pharmacist may be the best way to help you make an informed choice but we are here to share our own experiences as well.

With love, Erika