Dear Debbie -

Under the heading of "Look at All of This Stuff and None if it is Technically an Analgesic (Pain Killer)" I offer a partial list of the stuff I'm on every day, doses included. For the muscle pain, I would specifically suggest two anti-spasmodics for CNS generated spasms (Zanaflex and Baclofen), a benzodiazepine which works great on shooting pains (Xanax) and that all time great and at the same time derided anticonvulsant, Neurontin.

Anyhow, here's my mini-list:

1. Zanaflex (4 mg. 6/day)
2. Neurontin (600 mg. 3/day)
3. Xanax (0.5 mg. 4/day)
4. Baclofen (10 mg.) [1 - 2 tablets/day as need for severe muscle spasms]
5. Marinol (5 mg.) [4/day]

I hope this may be of some help. Good luck.

Mike

Thanks for the advice mike- I do take xanax but I am still working so I think those other meds would give me a hangover.....What do you think

sorry that you are in such pain........hope you get some type of relief soon........

Dear Debbie -

If you're working, I would agree with you about the Marinol (synthetic THC) although you may be able to have some of it when you get home and then counter with a Provigil and a strong cup of coffee in the morning, although I must warn you that (1) coffee is regarded as a vasal constrictor and therefore of no-no for people who are concerned about muscle spasms, although I personally haven't had a problem with it, i.e. I can go off coffee for some time and the cramping remains as bad as ever, and (2) spasms are a known side-effect of Provigil.

Baclofen is a drug that I could not tolerate when I was working because it was an absolute bear on my short-term memory, much more so than Neurontin, by example. However, not everyone has that reaction, so it's something that you might want to see if it works for you.

As far as Zanaflex goes, when I first started taking it, it made me very tired so I only took it at night, and had absolutely no hangover in the morning. Now I don't really feel it al all. Another drug in the same class - which produced no sleepiness in me at all - is Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine). Unfortunately, it can cause a potentially dangerous drop in your blood sodium levels, so they have to be monitored, every 6 weeks or so. I had been on Trileptal for almost 2 years when I got the call that my sodium level were dropping fast and that I had to get off of it ASAP. Still, it's a good drug, when properly monitored, and I should have mentioned it earlier.

Finally, and I mention this more as a curiosity than anything, after close the 3 years on Neurontin, I note that I am having increasing difficulties with it making me extremely sleepy during the day, problems that I didn’t have for at least the first year and a half I was on the drug.

Please let me know if I can provide any more info.

Mike

Hi Deb,

You mentioned in one of your posts about DMSO. This will cause your pain levels do go up at first.

Also, some people experience an increase in pain for the first couple of days of use, and it then improves pain. If given in large dose IV, it can rarely cause hemolyis (breakdown of red blood cells).

Here is a article on DMSO that is well worth reading.
http://www.colecenter.com/therapies/dmso.html

I was on IV's for about a year 2-3 times a week. My Doc told me it was hard on my veins any more than that. He had me take a very low dose orally at times as well. Which I am considering taking the oral again.

The SX I had for about a month was a increase in pain. In my case it was the neuro. & muscular toxicity coming from my body. I would also get some rough headaches at times. Hugs, Roz

Hi Again,
I also truly believe anyone taking this DMSO even orally should be under a MD's care. Big Hugs, Roz

Heya

Soz you are having a really bad time at the moment and that the pain is worse.

I take triphenydriyl (Benzhexol) everyday and it has made a difference with the spasticity and does help lower the pain (the muscle pain that is due to your muscles screaming in spasm).. I also take baclofen (up to110 everyday - works ok - but only use it short term cos I get tolerant really fast - also - some embarrasing side effects at really high doses). Also take Xanax for spasticity.

PMDs (Pain management dr) has said that on really bad spazzo days I can talk 110mg baclofen, can't remeber how much triphen and up to 26mg xanax. (and.. get this - he suggests taking them with either baileys or brandy!)..

dunno if that's any help1!

take care my dear and hope things improve!!

Rosie xxxxxxxxx

thinking of you debbie and sending peaceful days and restful nights to you..linda

debbie. i know just how you feel. and i am sorry that you have to go thru this. i am having pain in my right arm more so around the elbow. went to ortho and he said tendernitis.so i am in therapy and the heat ultrasound and biofreeze did help a lot today was the first time. maybe if you see your dr and see what he says. don't put if any longer it will only get worse. it also affects my neck and shoulder. the worse thing about pain is not knowing what is causing it. take care

Thanks so much for all of your responses- I am now getting use to living with pain in my arms...
The DSMO I bought is a roll on topical- I will let you know how it works

Thanks for the article Roz and all the other info you guys gave me...

Has anyone tried Soma for muscle pain?