Daily muscle relaxer

[cheshcat]

Does anyone else need a daily/nightly muscle relaxer?

I would love to stop but it doesn't seem possible right now.

My rheumatologist switched me from Flexeril to Tizanidine (Zanaflex), nightly.

Does anyone have an opinion on which has the least side effects for long term use? I do have a sub-set of cluster migraines (TAC), I didn't ask him but I wonder if that's why he switched me, he didn't say why.

I appreciate any help.

[Hidden]

There have been series of days when I get so exhausted that bed is needed, yet instead of falling asleep, the mind suddenly feels as if I had a strong stimulant, preventing relaxation for sleep for hours...

Maybe not quite what you mean?

I have tried taking a couple of antihistamine tablets (prescribed for MTX itchy rash). I have the drowsy effect ones!

This usually works for me if nothing else is!

[cheshcat in reply to Hidden]

I have muscle spasms that nothing seems to be helped with besides the muscle relaxers. I’ve tried and take magnesium and an electrolyte solution. The relaxers do also seem to help me sleep through the night as well.

[Cal66 in reply to cheshcat]

Hi

I take Amitriptyline 35mg nightly, but it doesn’t always settle my legs, so I use Paracetamol and I spray my legs before I go to bed with pain freeze spray. Sometimes they work, but I just try to put my faith in it all, I also take 8 Tramadol a day.

[cheshcat in reply to Cal66]

Tramadol doesn’t touch my pain. Prednisone and mexolicam for now are working when I add in marijuana in the evenings. Only CBD when it’s normal pain but I have to break out THC when needed. I know I can’t take meloxicam and prednisone long term. I’m just hoping one of the immune suppressants will work sooner rather then later. It’s all sucky options. 5 years ago I took zero meds. Now I have a huge case full.

[Mandy8175]

Shoot! I take cyclobenzaprine and amatriptilline before bed! I don't fall asleep easily, but I am out cold when I do get to sleep!

[cheshcat in reply to Mandy8175]

I feel like I liked the cyclobenzaprine better then the Tizinadine. Neither seem to say take long term. Maybe I'll ask the rheumy if I can switch back.

[Mandy8175 in reply to cheshcat]

I have been on the cyclobenzaprine for almost 2 years, and I only take it at bedtime. My pain specialist is the one monitoring it and 2 more meds. I take Norco 10's 4 times a day, cyclobenzaprine and amatrptilline at bedtime.

[cheshcat in reply to Mandy8175]

Thank you for your experience! I wish I didn't have to take so many meds. I feel like I lost my memory some where along the way. But every time I try to stop, I realize how much I need the med. I've been taking the flexeril a year and just switched to the zanaflex.

[Mandy8175 in reply to cheshcat]

My pain specialist doesn't change my meds, she believes that you don't mess with what was working!

[cheshcat in reply to Mandy8175]

I like your pain specialist! I think I'm going to call my rheumy tomorrow and ask to switch back. I wish I would have asked him why he changed it. I feel like I need a crib sheet for all these doctors appointments.

[Mandy8175 in reply to cheshcat]

I have a primary care, rheumatologist, hematologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, vascular, orthopaedic, podiatrist, physical therapist, psychologist, and pain specialist!

[Matilda_1922 in reply to Mandy8175]

That keeps you busy. I’ve a rheumatologist only

[marie66 in reply to Mandy8175]

I too seem to have collected a lot of care providers - GP, rheumatologist, rheumatology nurse, podiatrist, orthotist and my continual visits to the pharmacist!

[marie66 in reply to marie66]

almost forgot the fortnightly visits with the blood test nurse!

[cheshcat in reply to Mandy8175]

I have primary care, rheumatologist, neurologist, urologist, and vascular surgeon. I use to see primary care once a year for a basic check up and the ob/gyn. I seem to just keep collecting specialists. I honestly hate having to go to so many doctors (or maybe just the fact that I have to go to so many doctors).

[Mandy8175 in reply to cheshcat]

I forgot my gynecologist!

[nomoreheels]

Quite a few of us are prescribed tricyclic antidepressants over a specific med designed as a muscle relaxer such as you've been prescribed, mine is amitriptyline. I've found it really helpful at my current dose of 25mg morning & 50mg evening. I don't have experience of either one you mention so can't comment on side effects I'm afraid but maybe you could ask your PCP of his experience of two & which generally has the better success with fewest side effects if you're not due to see your Rheumy any time soon?

[cheshcat in reply to nomoreheels]

I see him in December. But I can always call. I use to take amitriptyline but stopped because I thought it was messing with my memory and causing side effects. Not sure that is was.

[nomoreheels in reply to cheshcat]

I suppose if you're willing you could trial it again? Don't know if you did previously but I started it on a low dose & titred it up until we found the most effective dose.

[Buelabell]

Be careful with tazinadine. It is addictive if used long term. I use it for short term muscle spasms and cyclobenzaprine nightly. Also use amitriptyline nightly and 10mg oxycodone 4x daily. Must be careful, all of these drugs can contribute to a build up of serotonin in your system and can cause serotonin syndrome, a life threatening condition in some people. Try checking your meds on drugs.com for interactions and side effects.

[cheshcat in reply to Buelabell]

Thank you! I've done fine on the cyclobenzaprine for a year, maybe I should just stick with that one. When I've done searches Tazinadine does seem to say it has the most side effects. I'll call the rheumy today about it.