Okay, the diazapam (Valium), doesn't seem to be helping with the spasms in my legs anymore, so my neuro suggested tinezine (Zanaflex). If that doesn't help, there's another one he mentioned and after that the Baclofen pump. Needless to say, I really don't want to go that route!

The spasms are awful whenever I try to move my legs/feet (hoisting them with my hands). Each leg feels like it weighs 50 lbs. and sticks straight out plus hurts like crazy. If I've been sleeping, my arms and back also spasm. Just started the tinezine (sp?) yesterday at 1/2 a tablet. So far there is no difference except to be constantly sleepy and my vision is blurrier than usual.

So, I was wondering if anyone else has had experience with this, results, etc. Thanks so much friends!

I'd just like to mention to the newbies who might read this, I've probably had MS for 33 years -- before any drugs, not even MRI's so this isn't a definite thing that will happen to you!

Hugs..........

This drug is related to clonidine and shares the effects on blood pressure on about 30% of patients.
So be watchful of standing up suddenly, or feeling faint.
If you have those effects it might be a good idea to monitor your blood pressure at home. A manual BP cuff only costs about $20 and can be very helpful.

In my experience Tizanidine helps with muscle spasms when people are resistant to other drugs. But it is sedating for some as well.

You may benefit from magnesium as well. When this mineral is low, muscle issues become aggravating (cramping/twitching).
There are papers on the net connecting low magnesium status with MS. I just did a quick search...using the keyword "low magnesium multiple sclerosis".

I have a magnesium thread here:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1138

Aim for dosing at 1/2 the RDA to start. Often this is enough for most people.

I tried it and LOVED it! I had spasms in my back for years that had refused to let go until I got on Zanaflex. Woo! It gave me some wild dreams. Please dont take Cipro if you take Zanaflex. It can cause either or both drugs to react more strongly.

If I got back into the spasm corner, I will reach for that bottle.

I love Zanaflex! It saved me from a baclafen pump (for now). I've tried all the others and this one is the best yet.

I'm now alternating Z & B during the day and it's working quite well for me. A few others are doing this as well, so hopefully, they'll chime in on it.

It works for me...I take 4mg every night at bedtime, otherwise I can't sleep, my spasms are way too busy to allow me to sleep.

I say, give it a shot.

I love zanaflex too. I only use at night, so i can't say if they make me tired or not.

I have methocarbamol for daytime use - also works really well, but not as commonly rx'd. Does not make me sleepy.

I've tried skelaxin - which did nothing - and flexeril, which was okay, but made me a little tired. Either of the ones I'm on now are better. As Mrs D says, Magnesium helps my legs a LOT. But my back is still a horrible knot, and muscle relaxers are the only way to cope.


Hope you get some relief!

Hiya Judy!

I do 4 mg. of tizanidine when i go to bed. I was having breakthrough spasms even after the Baclofen I take 2-3X while awake.

I work nights so I don't know if it makes me tired, cause I'm tired at HS anyway.
All I know is I sleep through the night/day now, where previously I was waking up yelling from the leg cramps and toe curls and my feet trying to point at my head!

Jim takes it but it's not working for him anymore. It did in the beginning so do not be discouraged. He doesn't walk anymore so his symptoms are a bit more complex and he takes several meds in addition to muscle relaxers. He's on baclofen, tizanidine and valium to name a few.

His doctor is considering Botox and we're hopeful. He does not want to give Jim a baclofen pump for several reasons and does not want to do ligament surgery. His doctor feels those alternatives to be too risky for him. I'll let you know how things go in June when we meet up with his neuro. If Botox can do what b, t and v can't it will be amazing! Jim will be able to cut back his meds big time.

Anyway, I hope it works well for you. Like I said, it did for Jim too but he's been on it for years. His spinal doc said some people get tired on it and some experience a more awake feeling on it. Jim wishes he would have the latter but didn't. lol

Thank you all for sharing your experiences with t. I took mine awhile ago and am having trouble keeping my eyes open so this wil be quick. Sure hope I have the good results like most of you!

Cindy -- My neuro didn't say anything about combining the two drugs.....t and diazapam. I just stopped the diazapam, but maybe it would be better to use that in the daytime and save the t. for night being it makes me so sleepy and also my eyes are alot more blurry than usual.

And the magnesium......he didn't mention that either. I'll ask my two "trusty friends" here to get some for me. My "gentleman" friend who now lives in Maryland, has to take it to replace what he loses from drinking so much!!! How much should I take -- one tablet daily?

Again, thank all of you!!! It's amazing here, whatever the MS question, someone has had experience with it before.

Goodnight......zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Magnesium is complex... some forms don't work properly.
I have a thread explaining it here:
The old magnesium oxide is in many supplements, and has recently been shown in studies to not really be absorbed.
Other alternatives are on this thread including doses.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1138
aim for 1/2 the RDA to start.
You can also do this with food choices which are on that thread too.

If you take certain drugs, you have to space magnesium out, away from them. Fluoroquinolones like cipro, or Neurontin/Lyrica, or tetracycline, cannot be taken with the supplements.

Current studies show up to 70% of people in USA are low in magnesium. This impacts many things--hundreds of enzymes, but most obviously the muscles, heart, and bones.