what do you take for spasms. please help - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Rorie · 08-03-2006, 10:18 AM

I have been having spasms that are mainly noticable when I lay down at night or to try to take a nap. They make it difficult to fall asleep, because just as I start to drift off I get another one...sometimes in my ears or across my head etc. I have been having a hard time getting in to see either my primary doc or my neuro. They are booked. The only thing I had to take was small dose of klonopin, which I have taken for almost a month, but don't like what it is doing to me and I don't want to be addicted. I was taking .25 mg, now I'm taking .125 (halfof that) but I want to be done with it. It does help me fall asleep, but I don't get enough sleep and I sometimes wonder if it ismaking the spasms/tremors worse.

Is there any suggestionsfor these spasms? I need more sleep, but it is hard to get with the spasms and I think I am having a hard time not taking klonopin, but yet I don't like the way it affects me when I take it.

Are there over the counter meds for spasms and do you know if it would be safe to switch from .125 mg of klonopin to something else

I have left a message with my neuro, but he hasn't called back...myappointment isn't for another month.

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thanks

duttin · 08-03-2006, 10:38 AM

Rorie,

I take prescribed meds for spasms,baclofen,zanaflex and quinine.Tonic water with quinine may help.Some of the leg cramp over the counter meds have quinine and may provide some releif until you see your DR.

Kymtnms · 08-04-2006, 04:43 AM

Toni,

Guess you can't say brand names of over-the-counter leg cramp meds here but which area of the drug store are they in? Haven't seen those before but need to get something. I've begged for something for spasms but neither my neuro nor my primary will prescribe anything.

They had me on Zanaflex for awhile but took me off of it because the psychiatrist had me on a strange cocktail consisting of many sedating medications for sleep and nerves. I finally stopped 3 of those medications on my own which made psy angry so he started weaning me off the Klonopin. Didn't really need weaning because it was being taken as needed at the lowest dosage which wasn't doing much. The neuro said he thought we might need to increase that dosage of the Klonopin whole time I was explaining I was being weaned off of it by the other doctor.

Even showed both the neuro and primary the bottle so they would know I was telling the truth about the dosage being tapered off and prescribe for the spasms but they either still didn't believe or didn't care so I'll try the over-the-counter stuff until seeing the other doctor in Lexington next week. Maybe he will prescribe a spasm medication. Don't think he is a true MS doctor either. Received my reminder notice in the mail last week so started looking on the doctor directory for his name but couldn't find it so called the medical center. They said he's a resident doctor in the neurology department.

I explained I already have a neuro and was suppose to be seeing a MS specialist. She said this was how you get to see a MS Specialist so looks like you have to go through steps to get to where you need to be at this medical center. Feel like this is going to be a big waste of my time, energy, gas and emotions! Oh well, can only do what they will let me.

Lynne

Natatude · 08-04-2006, 05:54 AM

i take 10mg baclofen every 8 hours lately it hasn't been working too great tho.

duttin · 08-04-2006, 06:00 AM

Rorie,

Its in the vitamin section at walmart,the bottle says leg cramps on it.Its homeopathic with quinine.I bought it for my son who was running 7 miles a day getting ready for football.He said it works great.Ask your Doctor about baclofen,its less sedating than the zanaflex.I've had my run around with neuro's and crappy Drs.I hope your appointment goes well.
Toni