Best muscle relaxer for Fibro?

Hello,

I'm fairly new here, and recently "officially" Dx. I have tried Flexiril, Robaxin and I currently take Zanaflex. The flexiril made me way too drowsy, even at 1/4 of a dose (I was slurring all day the next day), the Robaxin didn't help much and I seemed to have a slight reaction to it (I have this issue with several meds, unfortunately). The Zanaflex helps to an extent. However, when I wake up in the a.m. after taking half of one I seem to be even more stiff and in more pain than without. Does anyone have any suggestions for a different type of muscle relaxer that could help me with muscle spasms, sleep, and anxiety?

I know most aren't for anxiety but I know many have the relaxing property that helps with anxiety and sleep.

Thanks for any advice you might have!

I have had reactions to every medication they have given me to try and relax the muscles. What we stumbled upon is using Xanax since it does calm the central nervous system. I have been using Xanax (.25) judiciously for nearly 8 years now and I am not addicted to it, have not had to up the dosage nor do I even run close to running out prior to the next time I can fill the script. To accomplish this I never take more than 1 mg a day unless it’s a horrible, horrible day and never use it for more than 3 days in a row. Am I pain free? No, but it does make a difference in how I feel.

Also, I was a 6 pack + Diet Coke drinker a day. I cut back to one per day per the neurologist’s instructions. I haven’t noticed a change from that, but health wise, it was a good move. I do find that when my muscles are over reacting, as in having active spasms or fasciculations, if I get up and move about, it helps to bring them under control. You will find your nitch and I bet you it will be unique to you and your body.

I take xanaflex and it's the best thing since sliced bread for me. So like other ladies have said, it's really all about what works for you. I took Soma and it didn't work at all for me. Flexeril was even worse. I took another one in between but it was so bad it wasn't even worth remembering that one's name! (LOL) I do find the best relief with the xanaflex and I do find that if I take my dosage with my painkiller (in my case percocet - for now) it works even more like a champ.

When and how are you taking it? That may be a little of the issue, maybe?

Thanks for your replies!

I wanted to mention that my Rheumatologist suggested that a muscle relaxant might help not only with the muscle spasms, but also for anxiety and to help me sleep (since my anxiety is related to insomnia and pain). He also knows that I like to take as little medication as possible, so we try to find medications that have benefits for multiple symptoms whenever possible. I wasn't trying to use my medication for other symptoms without the advice of my doctor. :)

I was taking it 3 times a day as needed, 1/4 of one during the day, 1/2 at night. My doctor said the less I take it the more it will help me sleep at night. The problem is that when I wake up I'm more stiff, and I think it's because the muscle relaxer helps me sleep so I'm laying in the same position all night. The other problem is that if I don't take it I toss and turn all night due to pain.

I was also prescribed Tramadol for pain, 2 a day as needed. I have to save these for the daytime because I have an 18 month old son to care for. My rheumatologist emailed me over the weekend to say he was going to prescribe Lortab as well since I've told him I'm still in a lot of pain and not able to function as needed. He hasn't called it in for me yet so I'm not sure about how/when I'll be taking that.

I am not able to exercise right now due to neck, lower and upper back
Pain that is sometimes rather severe. I am going to see a Lyme specialist in February as Lyme Disease is suspected as an underlying cause for Fibro in my case.

SnowBunny21, I have heard of Baclofen and heard it is very helpful to some people. I will also ask about the Amrix. I took the Robaxin for about 6 weeks (but not daily, only as needed as this was before my pain was every day, all day like it is now). My Rheumy thinks I could be allergic because it made my eyes very red and dry so he suggested I stop taking it.

Yrsilly- I have also heard of Xanax but would have never thought to ask about this for muscle spasms/pain. This might be something worth mentioning at my next appointment.

getting by- I did try Soma once, I'd forgotten about that one. It definitely wasn't something I'd take for fun, but then again I've heard that the effects of medications when you don't actually need them (recreational), can be much different than for those of us who use it for a legitimate reason.

Ari216- I'm so glad Zanaflex works for you! I usually take a dose on its own, but perhaps I could try it with Tramadol (or Lortab if I switch). That might make all of the difference! My Rheumy said its fine to take the tramadol and zanaflex together. I'll be sure to ask him about taking it with Lortab.

Thank you all so much for the advice. I feel more prepared for my next doctor's visit, and if I do decide to switch from the Zanaflex I now have a few other options to discuss with my doctor.

I take paxil for my anxiety. A side effect of it is my pains are lessen some. But you have to be careful taking tramadol with it.

I really dislike taking any medication.  Still, I think there are times we need them, such as when at our worst.  Right now I'm just beginning to research natural alternatives to the Flexeril and Neurontin I take.  I'm currently doing a search on 'natural alternative to (name of medication)' or 'herbal alternative for....'  Just starting this, so I can't comment yet on how it's going.  Of course, it's something I'll also check out with my doctor, if/when I find an alternative. 

 I'll keep you posted!

Thank you for sharing about the topicals. It is a good alternative...

Hugs, Karen