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Soma changed to Baclofen without notice - what do I need to know?

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Posted 3/13/2012 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
When I went to the PM office today to pick up my script, I noticed the meds had been changed.  My soma 350 mg 4xday has been changed to Baclofen 10 mg 3xday.  I mentioned the change and was told that the FDA does not approve Soma for long term use and that my Dr had changed everyone to Baclofen.  They would not give any additional information.

Any info on this type of change and what to expect would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!!

Posted 3/13/2012 6:48 PM (GMT 0)

     Mom,...I do not know about the FDA requirements on this med, but many of the pain pump Dr's use the Baclofen in the pumps. It is supposed to be a very effective muscel relaxer.

 SE

Posted 3/13/2012 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
I have used both.

Soma just knocks me out at 350mg. Within 30 minutes, I can't stay awake.

Baclofen at 10mg is not nearly as soporific. It makes me a bit foggy, but usually doesn't put me to sleep.

Soma might also be a more powerful muscle relaxant, but frankly I don't know because I'll just be asleep. I have found Baclofen to only be mildly helpful with muscle tension, but as SE notes, it is commonly used and many people find it very helpful.

Baclofen, btw, is supposed to be better for long term use as users are suppose to not become tolerant to it, even after years of taking it.
Posted 3/13/2012 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
 

     ...good reply cogito!...I always enjoy reading your informative post. wink

 SE

Posted 3/13/2012 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry for the change in your meds amy. Hopefully it will help you more than the soma. Let us know how it goes.

Suzane

Posted 3/13/2012 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
RetiredMom,

Soma is the only muscle relaxer that works for me, w/out the extreme sleepiness, etc. It just shows how everyone is different. If I take a Flexeril - I'm out for a week.

I could be wrong... but I think what happened w/ your doctor is due to the fact that Soma (as of 12/2011) got switched to where it is now a C-2 controlled substance. So, it falls under all the regulations by the DEA that narcotics do.

Maybe your doctor is just choosing not to prescribe that medication because of the above switch? Still, I would think that they would have given you a heads-up on the change.... and the reasons why.....

I'm sorry it got switched - especially if it was working....

--Tina
Posted 3/13/2012 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
RetiredMom

I have been on Baclofen for many years now, I take it for charley horses and muscle spasms, as I get them everywhere in my body, from hands to feet and everywhere in between! Anyway I have found it to be a very effective medication, but like most I was started off on a low dose, (5mg every 8 hours) and then was slowly worked up to an effective dose for me. I am at the max recommended dose, I take 30mg every 8 hours. This is a medication that works the best if it is taken all the time, so your body has a constant level of the medication in its system. It is also not a medication that can be abruptly stopped! If you take it round the clock seven days a week, you need to be slowly weaned off of it! It is a very effective medication but not one to be taken lightly.

 

It really has been a Godsend for me, as it does not make me feel sleepy or dopey, or drugged up, like allot of the antispasmodics do, and it works too! One thing to take into consideration, is that it is not a medication that you can take just once and feel the affects right away. My pain doctor has told me that they are also finding that becides relieving muscle spasms that it is also good at help relieving pain. Anyway for me I have had really good luck with it, at least as compared to not taking it! But with that said everyone is different too, I do hope you get relieve from it, if not right away give it some time and also the dosage might have to be increased slowly till they find the effective dose for you!

 

 Good Luck to you!

 

White Beard

Posted 3/13/2012 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys!

When I told the "lady" up front that the meds were not my "normal" meds, that's when she said the FDA had decided that Soma was not approved for long term use and that Dr --- had changed everybody to the baclofen.  I honestly did ask if there was anything I should know about it and she just gave me that blank stare and said no.  IMHO, she's one of the worst office representatives I have ever had the displeasure to deal with.

I really wanted information on the transition and what I should be looking for, but got nothing for my questions....not even the offer to let me speak to a nurse. 

I have an RFA on the 27th and will tell the Dr about the experience (and her chronic poor attitude/behavior) at that time.  I don't think they should just add or change a medication without at least discussing it with you and I think the lead Dr should know fully how his office representatives are behaving.

I called the pharmacy this afternoon and found a little more information.  The pharmacist did not think the amount I was given was anywhere near the same as the Soma I have been taking.  She even gave me the "more average" strength/range of people taking this medication in the area and said I would probably need to discuss an increase of number of pills and/or mg of meds fairly quickly to get a similar level of pain relief for my muscle spasms.  Of course, she did not suggest I would have issues and stated that I may find relief with the new med as written, but let me know I would not be overasking to suggest an increase even as early as 10 days after first starting the meds (which will be the day of the RFA...since I can't fill until thi 17th).  She further explained that the new med is much quicker acting, however, the half-life is very short and explained how this will affect the amount of time it is effective.  It was great to have such an experienced pharmacist and one so willing to answer questions for patrons.

Again, any personal experiences and any suggestions for making the change smoothly will be greatly appreciated.  The Soma worked so well and gave so much relief that I have to admit I am frightened to begin the med search all over again (just to combat another government regulation).  I wish they would leave the honest CP patients alone and go after the ones selling the meds on the street.  It would make life better for all!

Many thanks!

Posted 3/13/2012 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Cogito, it's interesting that you say that. I started out at 10mg of baclofen 3x a day, increased to 20mg and now have a baclofen pump because the med in oral form became ineffective. Even my pump has required several dose increases - though admittedly I am far from a typical patient. It does still provide near total relief from my acute spasms, just the more chronic dystonia problems that aren't managed well.

RM - I can't give much advice on the transition, but the baclofen is one of the few meds that has given me almost no side effects. When I first started it, and again when I increased the dose, I had a wee bit of drowsiness - but nothing else.

Laura
Posted 3/14/2012 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Laura,

I was getting the claim from the Wikipedia article on baclofen, which cites Gaillard J. M. (May-Jun 1977). "Comparison of two muscle relaxant drugs on human sleep: diazepam and parachlorophenylgaba". Acta Psychiatr Belg 77 (3): 410–425. PMID 200069.

Perhaps you're the exception, or perhaps either Wiki got the article's contents wrong or the study was poor. I see now that it is a fairly old study and so I looked for a more recent one.

Contrary to the 1977 study, I found one from 2002 which does conclude that tolerance does develop over time: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11932045

I'm going to figure out how to edit Wikipedia articles and see if I can revise it based upon the newer data.
Posted 3/14/2012 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
That was fun! I modified the Wikipedia article to reflect the newer research.

Thanks Laura :)
Posted 3/14/2012 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
RM, I was switched from Zannaflex which really worked well for me to Baclofen when I had to switch PM drs. First she started me on 5mg which did nothing, so I told her this. She increased it to 10mg and it made all the difference in the world. I really do like the Baclofen and how well it works. I can have up to 60mg a day which is the max and she leaves it up me if I need it every 4 hours or every 6 hours. When you get it filled be sure to read your print-out or go to Drugs.com to read about it.

I hope it works well for you. Take care.
Posted 3/14/2012 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Great Scott Marty! …what a rush!!!…...…I think were up to snuff on our Baclofen information now! tongue

Nice job on all the information!

SE wink
Posted 3/14/2012 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Retired Mom,

As of December 2011, Soma is now a Schedule IV federally and in January 2012, the new rules took effect. This was a long time coming because a good portion of Soma is changed in the liver to meprobamate (Miltown) over a 2 hour period. Meprobamate has long been a schedule IV. It has a low potential for abuse and its main danger is that when taken in excess, it can cause coma and sizures. One of the reasons for placing it into Shcedule IV was because it was abused by recreational users to increase the effects of other drugs they were abusing. Specifically, people were using it to increase the effects of opioid pain killers. Again, by itself it has very little abuse potential but its well documented that recreational users will combine it with high doses of oxycodone to try and create a heroin like effect. This resulted in an increased number of ER room visits, especially in Florida.

Soma, just like cyclobenzaprine, builds tolerance over time. Baclofen does build tolerance (as all muscle relxants do), but at a slower rate than Soma. For me personally, I find that Soma maintains much of its effectiveness even over a long span of time. However, I generally only take 1 to 2 a day when pain levels are highest (im allowed up to 3) in order to keep my tolerance down.

As for Soma, YES it can cause withdraw but from what I've read up, its usually mild unless the dosing is 2100+ per day. It generally lasts a few days and therefore is less severe and shorter lasting than benzo withdraw. It is possible that when taken at very high doses over a period of time, it can cause life threatening withdraw, but again thats at withdraw cold turkey from high doses. Baclofen can actually cause life threatening withdraw too if taken at very high doses and the treatment is abruptly stopped (as it affects Gaba B, Soma affect Gaba A).

Your best bet would to (and please discuss this with your doctor and pharmacist) to try and tapper down with the remaining amount you have vs just coming straight off of it. Allow a short tapering period is something worth bringing up to your doctor and will help minimize any withdraw.
Posted 3/14/2012 5:23 AM (GMT 0)
Soma is a drug that is going to be less and less Rx as time goes on. Out of the entire class of muscle relaxers, it is the only one with abuse potential, as posters have mentioned here. It is a drug that has "street" value (along with Xanax and lortab) so we get nervous about giving it. As a rule,and I'm in primary care, I generally refuse to Rx Xanax and soma for that reason. When taken with opiates it is metabolized much like heroin, which is why there's a problem with abuse. It's funny, because my general rule about giving someone meds (especially if they're a new patient and Especially if they're cash pay - no slight there, but people will come in off insurance to get drugs) is if they ask for it by name, I'm pretty weary. No one ever asks for blood pressure or cholesterol medicine by name. My other favorite is "soma is the only thing that works for me". When I list off eight other muscle relaxers they haven't tried, it's the same routine.
I'm not saying that you're abusing it or anything of that nature. Please don't misunderstand. Just giving insight. Also soma shoud be dosed TID, max.
Baclofen and zanaflex both are really good drugs. For frame of reference, Baclofen's primary indication is MS. So if it can treat those folks, it can treat us.
I've also had good results given Baclofen for trigemial neuralgia, which is horribly painful.
I've taken soma too. Don't get me wrong. Ad it does work. But there are the downsides.
Years ago, when it was first on the market, my dad had a patient (former patient) who overdosed on soma and opiates. The nickname for that was a "soma vacation" because of its recreational use.
Again, this is just for edification and not about your case personally.
You shouldn't have withdrawals and I think you will do well on Baclofen.
Posted 3/14/2012 6:16 AM (GMT 0)

Mom

I agree it would have been nice for your Doctor to talk to you about the change

So you could ask him/or her any questions about it

But they are getting very strict as everyone says, I work for a pharmacy and have seen the changes these last 3 years

The Fedral Gov are comming down harder on everything and everyone, Its sad but because so many have abused it with other things, And They can make a pretty penny on the street for it,  We have seen alot of that, So those that use it properly are going to have a hard time getting it.

So  it will be harder for people to get and Doctor are getting weary about prescribing it, And now even harder to get a pharmacy to fill things,

We were told we could not fill PM scripts unless they were from countys close by to where we are

Not even Walamrt will fill any ,And  where I work there are  alot of times they wont take scripts that are what they call the coctail group

Soma, Hydrocodine,Zannex

And trust me it always feels like you are being watched by the gov So we have to acount for each pill every 2 weeks

 I have used baclofen and it does help, I sure hope it does for you, Or that they find something that will Good luck

 Take care

Renee

Posted 3/14/2012 6:58 AM (GMT 0)
You know, it's really frustrating. For clinicians, for patients, and for pharmacy.
It's sucks being the "bad cop" because of these jerks that abuse/sell meds on the street. I hate having to be mistrustful of patients. I hate that the government and the medical board will mess my life up if you're not super careful.
And I'm super frustrated with the PM guys, because they figured out that can make a fortune on doing procedures (insurance pays well for that) but they don't want to Rx meds. I had a Medicare guy the other day - 70 - and he wanted refills on his Xanax, soma, ad lortab. The fact is, I'm just not comfortable writing those periods, especially for someone who has less back pain than I do. He hasn't had surgery or injections. So'i wanted to send him to PM. And yes, he's medicare. But i got back two denials because dr so and so "isnt doing any medication management at this time".
Some idiot primary care doc got him into Xanax 2mg many years ago, a drug I really can't stand because I have known 3 young people die from overdoses of "z-bars". And the thing is, once you get on the Xanax train, it's hell to get off. I've had 4 people have seizures from abrupt benzo withdrawal and it sucks. I do a lot of psych, and I won't ever start someone on Xanax for panic. Kionopin and Ativan, yes.
Reason? Much harder to OD on those two because of their half life.
I had a 26 year old who took 30 1mg Kionopin and lived. If she had Xanax, forget about it.
I tell patients all the time: do you want to end up like whitney? Or Heath ledger? Or Michael Jackson. They all died because of medicine that was "legal" and prescribed. And can you guys imagine that someone's life ended because of meds you gave them?
My question? What happens if you're not "fixable" or too old to be fixed? Do we keep doing useless joint injections on you forever? It makes no sense.
Last story: at my last job I'll never forget this 26 year old girl who was in PM and was taking oxy, morphine, fentanyl, you name it. No surgery. Her diagnosis? "I have a slipped disc" (herniation). At the time I was back at work 10 days after back surgery, was hurting like hell, and my pain mgmt was taping an ice pack to my body because I can't take Actiq and oxys while seeing patients. Would you want your provider on that when you're spending your time and money to be evaluated? I mean, really think about that.
She was obese, which didn't help, and surly to boot. I remember telling her that she's on a lot of strong meds for her age and what happens if she has cautostropic pain? What then? She didn't care.
Of course we're not all like this, obviously.
Just some notes from the field.
Posted 3/14/2012 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
Wow....you guys have been great!!!

I am very surprised to read some of the information given...especially since I do take the oxy ir, xanax xr, and soma...as well as ultracet, and a variety of other non-pain related meds.  I ALWAYS give a printed sheet of the meds I take to every Dr at every appointment and I never had a problem with anyone about what I take.  Even the decision to stop taking the ambien (20 mg) was mine and mine alone.  The Dr supported it, but I was never questioned on really abusing the meds.

Like most of the members here, I just don't take what I'm not supposed to.  I even looked back at my pharmacy info this week (there is a great online site that allows you to link to your pharmacy to refill meds without calling...it also lets you see when you last filled and what you have remaining).  I noticed the other day that I had tons of expired pain meds/xanax and other things that I could have filled or could still fill, but I don't do that because they are not my current regimine.  It's so strange to me to fill, fill, fill and then take them inappropriately.  I just want pain relief.

I honestly appreciate the information given on this thread and, for the medical professionals, I'd like to say that your opinion was greatly appreciated too.  Despite the fact that I cannot take many of the "substitute" meds, I still somewhat agree with what you are saying.  I guess I can't fully agree because I am one who has issues with many meds and finds that some don't cause reactions, where most do.

In particular, the zanaflex makes me feel like my throat is closing up and I can't get air.  Oh, don't get me wrong, it knocked me out like lightening, but I don't want that effect anyway.  I have reactions to flexiril and skelaxin too, but I have yet to try the baclofen (so we will see).  The worst that can happen is that I loose all muscle relaxers again.  I didn't take them for years, but they help SO much!.

I am one who has had the surgery, does follow up with appointments, does provide good records, does use only one pharmacy (except for my med for pituatuary disorder that must come from a speciality pharmacy), and does communicate w/my Dr's as I should.  I take every drug screen without problems (except that my xanax shows up as if I haven't taken it from 2-5 days...which is not correct).  Even this I pass on to my prescribing Dr. 

So,  I want to thank you all for your valuable information.  I will post if there are reactions/problems after the transition and will try to adjust the dose of my soma down over then next few days to help with the transition.  It's so hard to give up a med that works so well, but I do understand that rules are rules....I just don't like them.  I wish the abusers would just go away and leave the meds to the ones who really need them.  It would make life so much easier for those doing the right thing and prevent us from jumping through hoops to have some quality of life.

Posted 3/14/2012 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Baileys....I guess I am a bit thrown in the fact that you are trying to compare your pain to each patient that you see. Saying that the 70 year old Medicare patient "isn't as bad as you" so he shouldn't be on the medicine he was prescribed by a Dr.

While I know you are trying to help....forgive me, but it seems as if you are speaking badly about so many of your "patients"....Which as a PA...you should be under HIPAA law...and while you are not giving us names...you are giving us ages and specifics about their medications while you are a practicing PA...This seems unprofessional to me.

In our state...a PA cannot prescribe Schedule 2 narcotics...and my PM Dr. has thankfully never used the "media" hype about celebrities in reference to his treatment of me.

Most Drs. can easily see the difference. Those celebrities had numerous prescriptions written by many Drs and under different names and obviously took their medicine NOT as prescribed...

This is not any of us on here...

Again...I truly am not trying to be unwelcoming to the board...I'm just surprised as a medical professional of some of the things you are writing.

As well as there are many types of PM Drs. out there. Many of them provide comprehensive treatment that includes everything from injections, acupuncture, as well as all types of medication.

And no offense...but a PM Dr. has an abundance of more training and years of education about PM and medicines than a PA....So I would hope that you would defer to the Drs. in your practice when you have a question about a patient and their pain and medications rather than just dismiss them because their pain doesn't compare to yours. Or that you aren't using sensationalized media situations to scare patients into taking needed medications.

Just my thoughts....

Retiredmom...I have never been on Soma....but took Baclofen for awhile and thought it worked extremely well. But as we know...we all have different reactions to the way a medication works on us...So I am hopeful that it will work for you to help with your muscle pain and it's a smooth transition from the Soma...

Sending you some gentle hugs (( ))
Posted 3/15/2012 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Amy I'm sorry I haven't replied to you before now. I've had a lot going on. I haven't taken a muscle reliever at all in all the years (11 yrs) of taking pain meds. The doctors always say I'm taking so many meds that they don't want to add another one. I know there are a few here that take quite a few meds. I think I would have less pain, but oh well.

I wish you good luck with the baclofen. Let us know how it goes.

Take care. Love ya my friend.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 3/15/2012 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Snow,

Ok.
I'm sorry that I gave you guys an anecdote about something that happened in my practice. You don't know where I live or any other identifiers. Do you know how many people are on those meds? A lot. I really resent you calling into question my professionalism and ability to do my job. I would never SAY to someone that their pain is less than mine. That's absurd. I had patients who have been incredibly great full because I DO understand what living with pain is like and I will share my sympathy about living with pain. Yes I have cautioned some patients about taking multiple meds at once, especially young people, because there is a culture with lots of folks that a pill fixes everything.
I have enormous respect for my docs and of course I ask their opinion. I have two docs I work with that WILL NOT Rx pain meds period. At all. No exceptions. The general thinking is that the practice doesn't want to do pain mgmt and they frown on me (or anyone) Rx those kinds of drugs.
My point was to give some insight and not to get flames because I'm being honest with anonymous people on a message board.
I love what I do, I take very good care of the people I treat, and I have a great deal of humility about what I don't know.
So please understand I was just trying to speak with candor. If it offends you, don't read it.
Posted 3/15/2012 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Baileysmom,

I wanted to just step in for a moment... not to speak up for anyone.... or "defend" anyone - but simply to make an observation.

We appreciate anyone coming to the board and posting his/her experiences. You seem to know what it's like to live w/ pain... and we value your input re: your experiences.

There's just been a couple of things you've mentioned, though, that has made me read it twice.... One thing - you mentioned in several of your posts about people and their weight. I know a lot of people on our board struggle w/ their weight.... and, yes, in an ideal world - people wouldn't be overweight as it does lead to further health issues or more stress on our bodies. But it's not that simple.... because, many of us - due to our pain issues - can't exercise, etc.

The other comment that caught me off guard was when you mentioned the 70 year old man who "has less pain that you do". You mentioned that he hasn't had injections or surgery. Many of us here - depending on what our diagnosis is - haven't had these things.... but clearly suffer w/ horrendous pain issues. I never like to compare my pain to anyone else's because pain is so subjective; if you aren't in one's body - how do you know what's truly going on? I don't think that an x-ray.... an MRI... etc. necessarily shows what's going on in one's body.

So, you are welcome to post here.... and we welcome your input. I'm just giving you an idea of things that caught my eye... and maybe others are thinking the same thing.

We like to keep a friendly, supportive board going here.... for the benefit of everyone. If you have any specific questions, feel free to e-mail me or any of the moderators.

Take care all.... Hope you have a good evening. --Tina
Posted 3/15/2012 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Bailey....I think a lot of it is that you are new on here...so we don't know you...and I guess for me....just my personal opinion....but sharing negatives about your patients when you are still a practicing PA seems not very kind to them...

And yes...it was the comment about the 70 year old...quote below:

**I had a Medicare guy the other day - 70 - and he wanted refills on his Xanax, soma, ad lortab. The fact is, I'm just not comfortable writing those periods, especially for someone who has less back pain than I do.**

This is what made me say the things I did that you are comparing your pain to this mans and saying he must have less pain than you and sounds like you are saying he shouldn't be on the medications he is on because they are more than what you take....

How do you know his pain "feels" less than yours? You don't...Just as no one does...

And then when you specifically say that you tell your patients, "Do you want to end up like Whitney, Heath Ledger or Michael Jackson?"....

Those are just scare tactics that I have never seen any type of Dr. use....I don't see the purpose at all. As I said...those people were prescribed many different medications by different Drs. and were taking them the wrong way...

It sounds like you are accusing your own patients of doing this? I mean...they are scared....they are hurting....they come to see a Dr. for help and guidance....I just don't see how saying those things to them helps your patient at all.

And then when you dissed PMs....I was saying that there are many, many wonderful PM Drs. out there that use a comprehensive approach with all modalities.

Anyway....I was just voicing my concern having these things come from someone in the medical profession as it's highly unusual.

Usually, it's about sharing your own story with pain...and for all of us to give suggestions and help to each other...Obviously you cannot give any type of medical advice on here....but share with us about your own journey.

We do want to welcome you....and hear more about what started your journey with pain and what things you have tried and where you are now..I will look up the other post to see if that one has more about you as a person.

Hopefully we can get to know you further...

Retired....keep us posted on how the change over is going...
Posted 3/15/2012 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Bailysmom,

For me personally, Soma does a good job but as I've stated, my usage is carefully "timed" to ensure that its not used around the clock. it has both a lot of pros and cons, so I think its really if the benefits outweigh the cons for that patient. It can of course also depend on factors like what other medications are they currently being prescribed.

For me, I'm on Nucynta for my CP issues, and it works fairly well for the neuro pain (not so great for pain spikes but generally well for mod to mod severe pain). Because Nucynta is an NRI in addition to being an opioid (not to mention it has some SRI properties), it seems to clash with cyclobenzaprine. Now hands down, cyclobenzaprine is the most effect muscle relaxant for me. However, its side effects (especially when coupled with the Nucynta) are very negative. Baclofen just simply never worked. Zanaflex actually does help but it makes me feel like I'm moving in slow motion. Valium causes rebound anxiety and seems a little less effective than cyclobenzaprine.

My optimal choices come down to either zanafelx or soma. Both are tolerable, but the upside is that Soma gives me a less "drugged" feel, is less sedating, and isn't eurphoric. The biggest downside to Soma is that it has a relatively short duration of action. It's second bigest downside is that its rough on the stomach for about 10 to 20 minutes after ingestion. Its upside is that it doesn't "potentiate" the effects of nucynta itself, it works as an adjuvant to it, unlike Soma does to oxycodone where it actually increases the drugs effects.  There are times when I seem to get less benefit from it, but as stated with my nucynta, drugs have their limitations on removing pain.

Interestingly enough, I would not have the same feeling about Xanax should I need to be prescribed medication for panic attacks, but I'm also prone to rebound anxiety. I think everyone's chemistry is different and what works great for one is a horrible choice for someone else.
Posted 3/15/2012 7:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

I just wanted to pop back in on this tread and let you all know that Baileysmom didn't offend me at all.  I do take the meds she mentioned...and it did surprise me that the meds I take are converted into a herion type of medication in the body because I would never take something like that willingly.  Now,  however, I am honestly finding it quite difficult to wean off of the soma at all.

As far as the "soma vacation", I believe perhaps that was initially a reference to Huxley's "Brave New World"....I read it in school and was freaked out by the payment of workers in the drug Soma....Of course, this is a fictional book, but it was still a really interesting read to me.  It has stuck with me all of these years.  If you read, you may find this very, very strange book interesting and, considering the date of print, quite scary.

I know many of you have been offended by the candor of Baileysmom's post, but please give her a chance to get to know us better.  She does seem to have a good insight and perhaps she will be able to gain a new perspective from the CP patients here.  We should give her a chance to get to know us before we judge her (I think).  I love all of my HW friends and I don't want to offend anyone, but I don't know that we are being very fair to someone who has a different perspective.  She has the perspective of someone who deals with drug seakers....an honest patients.  We are (in my opinion) honest patients seeking help for real issues.  Not everyone is and I can see why she is skeptical...especially if we don't give her the opportunity to get to know us better.

I, for one, appreciate her sticking her neck out to give me her opinion.  I don't agree with everything, but I don't have to.  I come here to learn from others, to give support, and to receive support.  I'd like to do the same for her and give her the same opportunities I have been given. 

 

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