littlegreek25
01-19-2005, 12:44 PM
Hi everyone,
I am currently taking Flexeril 10mgs 2-4 times a day (depending on how bad the pain is) for TMJ. I would like to know if anyone could recommend a longer acting muscle relaxer. I worry about the effects of taking meds all the time will have on my stomach eventually. Thanks for your help.
Amy
I am currently taking Flexeril 10mgs 2-4 times a day (depending on how bad the pain is) for TMJ. I would like to know if anyone could recommend a longer acting muscle relaxer. I worry about the effects of taking meds all the time will have on my stomach eventually. Thanks for your help.
Amy
Sponsor
westin4
01-20-2005, 05:51 AM
Hi Amy,
I don't remember why, but my pcp told me that Flexeril is not the muscle relaxer of choice for the muscles like in tmj. The soma.......zanaflex.........and baclofen were best. She also like valium for tmj but not long term. I can;'t remember how she described the difference in the way it responds, but hopefully our great info source, Shore, will dive in here! :)
Karen
Can you function on that much flexeril? That stuff was rough on me,
I don't remember why, but my pcp told me that Flexeril is not the muscle relaxer of choice for the muscles like in tmj. The soma.......zanaflex.........and baclofen were best. She also like valium for tmj but not long term. I can;'t remember how she described the difference in the way it responds, but hopefully our great info source, Shore, will dive in here! :)
Karen
Can you function on that much flexeril? That stuff was rough on me,
ltedeschi
01-20-2005, 08:20 AM
I find that Skelaxin is a much better and stronger muscle relaxer than flexeril.
You might what to call and ask could you give it a try.
Lisa
You might what to call and ask could you give it a try.
Lisa
westin4
01-20-2005, 01:27 PM
Yeah, I am back on the Skelaxin after that run with the soma. Here is what I ended up doing...........800mgs of Skelaxin 4 times a day. If it is a really bad day.....then I take the soma or the soma+. The soma doesn't seem to make me sick if I take it for a day or two.......it's the day after day thing.
Could your try something like that,Amy?
Karen
Oh, before you go and ask for Skelaxin............I didn't want you to set yourself up......the Skelaxin is like $175 for 120 ( month's supply) Even with good insurance we still pay $20 co-pay because there are so many LESS expensive ones. I didn't want you to get yourself caught in another mess with the cost.
Could your try something like that,Amy?
Karen
Oh, before you go and ask for Skelaxin............I didn't want you to set yourself up......the Skelaxin is like $175 for 120 ( month's supply) Even with good insurance we still pay $20 co-pay because there are so many LESS expensive ones. I didn't want you to get yourself caught in another mess with the cost.
juulie
01-20-2005, 01:37 PM
Amy, I've tried Flexeril, Zanaflex and Soma 350 mg for severe TMJ. The Soma works the best for me but it does wear off quickly. I take about 4 a day. I haven't been able to get any doctor to let me try valium.
Angel, what is Soma+?
Angel, what is Soma+?
westin4
01-20-2005, 02:29 PM
The soma+ is Soma, codeine and aspirin all in one. I take 2 of those at once on a very bad day and they work very well. They are very strong but hey, they do wonders.
bryan25503
01-21-2005, 04:29 AM
The Soma+ is RX as Soma Compound with Codeine:
CODEINE/CARISOPRODOL/ASPIRIN - ORAL
(KO-deen/kar-iss-oh-PRO-dole/ASP-er-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Soma Compound W/Codeine
WARNING: Children and teenagers should not use aspirin, aspirin-
containing or aspirin-related medications for flu symptoms or
chickenpox without first consulting a doctor. A rare but serious
illness known as Reye's syndrome may occur.
USES: This combination product is used to relieve pain and
discomfort associated with musculoskeletal injuries/conditions.
HOW TO USE: Take this with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase
your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period
of time without your doctor's approval. Also, if used for a long
period of time at high doses, do not suddenly stop using this
without first consulting your doctor.
When used for extended periods, this medication may not work
as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if
the medication isn't relieving the pain sufficiently.
Top of page
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, headache, blurred vision,
drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, hiccup or flushing may
occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your
doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid heart
rate, fainting, black stools, hearing problems, easy bruising,
dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin, depression.
In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to
this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
severe dizziness, breathing trouble.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
Top of page
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: blood disorders, asthma, a history of drug dependency, ulcers
or intestinal problems, kidney or liver disease, nasal polyps,
allergies (especially drug allergies).
This medication contains aspirin. Children and teenagers
should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, influenza or any
undiagnosed illness without first consulting a doctor about
Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this
medication causes you to feel drowsy. Limit alcohol intake.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a
seated or lying position, get up slowly.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of
alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may
increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
Aspirin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult
your doctor before using this medication.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Top of page
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and
prescription medication you may use, including: anti-seizure
drugs, antidepressants, other narcotic pain relievers, non-
narcotic pain relievers, sleeping pills, sedatives, cimetidine,
"blood thinners" (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs such as
warfarin, heparins, NSAIDs), quinidine, acetazolamide,
corticosteroids, medication for gout, drugs used for diabetes,
methotrexate.
Aspirin is an ingredient in many over-the-counter products. To
prevent an overdose of aspirin, read the labels carefully before
taking other pain relievers or cold products to be sure they do
not contain aspirin. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain
your over-the-counter products contain aspirin.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
CODEINE/CARISOPRODOL/ASPIRIN - ORAL
(KO-deen/kar-iss-oh-PRO-dole/ASP-er-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Soma Compound W/Codeine
WARNING: Children and teenagers should not use aspirin, aspirin-
containing or aspirin-related medications for flu symptoms or
chickenpox without first consulting a doctor. A rare but serious
illness known as Reye's syndrome may occur.
USES: This combination product is used to relieve pain and
discomfort associated with musculoskeletal injuries/conditions.
HOW TO USE: Take this with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase
your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period
of time without your doctor's approval. Also, if used for a long
period of time at high doses, do not suddenly stop using this
without first consulting your doctor.
When used for extended periods, this medication may not work
as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if
the medication isn't relieving the pain sufficiently.
Top of page
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, headache, blurred vision,
drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, hiccup or flushing may
occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your
doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid heart
rate, fainting, black stools, hearing problems, easy bruising,
dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin, depression.
In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to
this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
severe dizziness, breathing trouble.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
Top of page
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: blood disorders, asthma, a history of drug dependency, ulcers
or intestinal problems, kidney or liver disease, nasal polyps,
allergies (especially drug allergies).
This medication contains aspirin. Children and teenagers
should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, influenza or any
undiagnosed illness without first consulting a doctor about
Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this
medication causes you to feel drowsy. Limit alcohol intake.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a
seated or lying position, get up slowly.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of
alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may
increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
Aspirin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult
your doctor before using this medication.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Top of page
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and
prescription medication you may use, including: anti-seizure
drugs, antidepressants, other narcotic pain relievers, non-
narcotic pain relievers, sleeping pills, sedatives, cimetidine,
"blood thinners" (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs such as
warfarin, heparins, NSAIDs), quinidine, acetazolamide,
corticosteroids, medication for gout, drugs used for diabetes,
methotrexate.
Aspirin is an ingredient in many over-the-counter products. To
prevent an overdose of aspirin, read the labels carefully before
taking other pain relievers or cold products to be sure they do
not contain aspirin. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain
your over-the-counter products contain aspirin.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
littlegreek25
01-21-2005, 11:52 AM
Thanks everyone for the info. I will ask my doctor about trying the Skelaxin, Soma, Baclofen, and Zanaflex. The doctor I was seeing while my regular doctor was on maternity leave would only give me Flexeril. My ususal doctor is back now and she is more open minded so I think she will let me try something different. Unfortunately she only works two days a week now, so getting in to see her will be hard. The Flexeril is just not working enough anymore. I'm having to take it 3-4 times a day now to have any pain relief. I'm still taking the Ultram too. They worked well together for a little while, but you guys know how it is with meds. I need something stronger now. Thank you for your help everyone. :)
Amy
Amy
azena
01-22-2005, 08:11 AM
i took ativan and it helped me alot. before the ativan i was taking zanaflex 4mg 5x's a day. i didn't like it because it made me real sleepy. maybe you could suggest a drug cocktail......like flexeril, naperson (i think that's what it was, it was an anti-inflamatory, and vicodin. there's also a series of injections that helped me the most, but i can't remember what it was, i do remember that one shot was for headache and the other for muscle spasm. maybe some one on the board can help out with the names of these injections.
good luck
good luck
MomwithMS
01-25-2005, 12:10 AM
I had horrid hallucinations with zanaflex. I regularly take soma. I've also taken baclofen. Soma works best for me.