I'm pretty desperate to find a medication even to help a little bit with my spasticity. Baclofen totally doesn't do anything for it, I take one before bed and one when I get up but I am thinking of stopping (gradually!) altogether because my spasticity has only gotten worse since I started it.

On the national MS website they listed some other drugs for treatment of spasticity and Ativan is on there. I've only ever taken Ativan before MRIs and I'm ok with it. I'm wondering if it is something I should try. My sleep at night is HORRID thanks to spasticity and the pain associated with it.

Would love to hear from anyone who's on it, has been on it, or just has any info for me about using it for this purpose.

ETA- I realize I'm on a v low does of Baclofen but I used to be on a higher dose, and have slowly been coming down from that.

I'm on it for spasticity. I take 1/2 to 1 mg at night before bed depending on how my muscles feel and occasionally I take 1/2 during the day if the spasms are really bad. Ativan is a benzodiazepine, similar to valium. I cannot tolerate baclofen or valium. I've done real well with the lorazepam (Ativan).

can you get your dr to offer some alternatives?
unfortunately with problems like this you may have to try several options. then start on a low dose and work up. then if it doesn't work start again.

i'd for sure check with your pcp and/or neuro.

you can also ask your pharmacist for some suggestions.
i've only taken ativan as an anti stress med and only a few times. also, it may make you tired.

Hi MSbelle,

I took a Benzodiazepine (Klonopin) for 10 years for a reason not related to MS. I was told Klonopin could also help with some MS symptoms.

I found it helpful for tremors, leg stiffness and pain. At a high dose I found Klonopin would cause my legs to be too loose (jello legs) and I felt like I would fall, I would also experience this with a low dose of Baclofen.

The downside to taking a Benzodiazepine:

Benzodiazepines can be addictive. Not everyone becomes addicted, I didn't, but you should be aware.

There are warnings that if taking a Benzodiazepine you should not drive.

They can cause drowsiness.

I had 2 different reactions when taking Klonopin -- (1) I would get tired and sometimes need to sleep. (2) I would have more energy. My Dr. said both were normal.

Best wishes and I hope you find something that helps your spasticity.

I used to take zanaflex-it worked well, but I was so sleepy on it (I'm hypersensitive to meds).
I'm on baclofen and increase the dosage as directed when the spasms are bad. It works okay.

I am going to message my neuro nurse on Monday and frankly tell her that we have to keep trying to help with my spasticity... I feel like if they knew how bad it was they'd be throwing things at me to help me have some relief. The one Baclofen I take before bed and one in the morning is doing absolutely nothing... I stay on it only because I fear things will get worse if I come off, and I need to wean slowly.

I'll ask about Ativan and Zanaflex and see what my neuro prefers to rx. Is it ok to just go through my GP instead of my neuro though? I feel like I'm constantly bothering them there with questions. Maybe I'll talk to my GP first and see if she's comfortable prescribing instead for this.

Hi MSbelle,

You take Baclofen only 2 times a day, correct? Baclofen is usually taken 3 to 4 times a day as Baclofen is short acting. It doesn't sound like your Neurologist is explaining Baclofen or it's dosing very well

That would be okay. Some GPs are okay with prescribing symptom management medications and some are not.

Snoopy- My neuro did explain Baclofen well to me and I was up to 1 pill three times a day as recommended, and when I asked to increase the dose they helped me do that. But I couldn't stand the fatigue.

But I called my GP and she rx'd me Zanaflex. I'm starting with just 2mg before bed and I've almost completely weaned off Baclofen. FX I find some relief.

Also going to give Ampyra another try (scary!).