Zanaflex Question - Pain Management Message Board

bryan25503 · 01-23-2005, 01:14 AM

I am having a problem with Zanaflex. My PM Doctor put me on Zanaflex 4mg he put on the RX to take 1/2 to 1 tablet twice a day. The first day I took 1 tablet and it made me so sleepy I had to lay down, so then I took 1/2 tablet and this still made me sleepy so I am wanting to know if anyone else has had this problem with Zanaflex? I need at least 1/2 during the day due to muscle spasms but they make me to sleepy and I can not be sleepy during the day, its alright at bedtime because they help me sleep, so what can I do to take away the sleepyness? I have been on them for 1 week and thought that would go away but it hasn't, any help would be welcomed.
Brian

BrittleBones · 01-23-2005, 07:21 AM

Hi Brian.

I have been on Zanaflex 4mg. tabs for about a month now. I take 2 tabs (8 mg total) every 8 hours. I was very sleepy as well the first week. Now it doesn't bother me at all. But it really has helped my spasms in my lower back and upper thigh. Since I'm taking so much more than you are, I guess it just goes to show, once again, that everyone responds differently to medications. Perhaps the doc can switch you to another muscle relaxant. I had very good results with Baclofen. Good luck - Kathy Mac

kellyp · 01-23-2005, 09:13 PM

I took it for quite awhile, but I stopped because I was so tired all the time. I know it usually goes away for most, but I gave up after about 6 months of falling asleep just about everytime I sat down.

Good luck,
Kelly

tkgoodspirit · 01-23-2005, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryan25503

I am having a problem with Zanaflex. My PM Doctor put me on Zanaflex 4mg he put on the RX to take 1/2 to 1 tablet twice a day. The first day I took 1 tablet and it made me so sleepy I had to lay down, so then I took 1/2 tablet and this still made me sleepy so I am wanting to know if anyone else has had this problem with Zanaflex? I need at least 1/2 during the day due to muscle spasms but they make me to sleepy and I can not be sleepy during the day, its alright at bedtime because they help me sleep, so what can I do to take away the sleepyness? I have been on them for 1 week and thought that would go away but it hasn't, any help would be welcomed.
Brian

I'd give it some more time. Maybe have your PM doc give you a lower dose. You're cutting them in half anyway. I take Zanaflex 3mg 3x daily, and it will make you sleepy, especially at higher dose, but I think if you give it a little more time, that will pass. Usually side effects of a new med will adjust themselves by two weeks, if it goes on too much more than that, maybe the med isn't for you. We all know that there are more meds out there to try and make us sleepy when we don't need to be! LOL Hang in there a little while longer, and if you still don't like how you feel, talk to your PM doc.

Here's to staying awake while on medication!
tk

bryan25503 · 01-24-2005, 01:07 AM

Thanks for your replys, I will give it another week and if it still makes me sleepy I will ask my PM Doc to change it, hope everyone has a great day...
Brian