Hi All,

I am new here. I was diagnosed with MS in 2003. So far my MRI's have had no change and I am not on any maintaince meds (like copaxone etc). I tried them and did not like the side effects. I had a major reaction to the copaxone.
I just started taking Zanaflex about a week ago for Sapacity. The pain and stiffness in my hands and fingers was getting unbareable. So far so good. It does have an opposite effect on me though and instead of causing drowsines it causes me to be WIDE awake!!!

Laura

Orlando Fl

Hi Laura and welcome to Neuro Talk. Afraid I can't offer any info regarding Zanaflex, but just wanted to say hello. Good luck to you!

Wish it had had that effect on me. I took a half and it knocked me out for hours. Bummer. Glad it worked better for you.
-Susan

I've taken it on an as needed basis for spasticity for years. I find that even after several days of not taking it, I need less of a dose to get the same effect. It initially makes me sleepy but then I wake about 3-4 hours after the dose (generally only take it at bedtime) and can't get back to sleep. Also, when I get up to the 8mg level, I often have visual hallucinations. The solid sheets have patterns on them and the ceiling is covered with flowers and I don't trust myself to get up and move around for the 10-20 minutes this is happening.

I read an article this week in Medscape about treatment of spasticity and it said that Zanaflex has also been shown to have the effect of lowering blood pressure in those who take it regularly.

Hi Noo, I'm new here too, but an oldtimer with MS. I stopped Baclafen a few years ago and switched to Zanaflex. It has made a huge difference for me, especially at bedtime when my spazzes go spastic.

I haven't noticed any side effects that I can attribute to it, but smaller doses more frequently work best for me.

I tried Zanaflex (small dose) and it too kept me up for practically 3 days. I went back to just taking Baclofen which I have always had good results with; no drowsiness or weakness.

Take care.

I have used flexeril, then to baclofen and now zanaflex.....
I love the zanaflex....I dont want to have to manage w/o it........
I will give up my rebif, my cymbalta (no wait not that either lol)
but not the zanaflex......
I do not have any side effects from them and I take 4mg 3 x's a day....everyday.
I am so sorry it does that to you...that must be awful to have the med that can help deal w/ the pain of spasticity but causes grief in other ways......
So sorry for you all......