I need a longer acting muscle relaxer - Pain Management Message Board

littlegreek25 · 01-19-2005, 09:44 AM

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

westin4 · 01-20-2005, 02:51 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,

ltedeschi · 01-20-2005, 05:20 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

westin4 · 01-20-2005, 10:27 AM

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.

juulie · 01-20-2005, 10:37 AM

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+?