Anyone else taking the muscle relaxer Zanaflex (Tinzanidine is the generic)? I read online where some it has helped others. Some reported significant improvements with it, particularly with neck and shoulder/upper back muscles. I asked my doctor for an RX, and he prescribed it at 4 mg 3times daily. Some of the websites I read stated typical dosing levels range from 1 mg to 20 mg. I asked him to start out low since I have had a difficult time with adverse reactions to a few different medications. On the advice of my sisterinlaw, who also has FM and takes this drug, I started out splitting the 4mg tablets into 1 mg sections. They are pre-scored into quarters which makes it convenient to customize dose level.
I just started taking it yesterday so a little early to tell much----other than it did help significantly with sleep last night. Thank goodness as I have a terrible time with sleep. I was taking AmbienCR, but after taking it for a couple of months I think I am getting adverse symptoms from it....neurology type tingling in lower legs, feet, toes. While those symptoms are not listed on the pharmacy brochure for Ambien, there were a few posts online where others have experienced the same thing (ambien & lunesta). I have discontinued it twice to self-test symptoms and each time the symptoms seem to improve when I stop it. Anyway, back to the Zanaflex (Tinzanidine) ...it makes me feel a little sedated during the day. My sisterinlaw said it did that in the beginning for her until her body got used to it. For anyone considering it, you might want to know that the generic version, Tinzanidine, is quite a bit cheaper in addition to being a pre-scored tablet. The brand one, Zanaflex, is gel caps so it can not be customized beyond how your doctor prescribes it.
Wondering about the experience of others regarding dosing levels?...reactions?....effectiveness? ...other drug interaction concerns/experiences? The pharmacy handout mentions about being careful to ensure doctor & pharmacist is aware of all things you take when taking Zanaflex...including OTC stuff....that concerned me a bit if in fact it has that kind of sensitivity?? The handout mentions specific, but not all, blood pressure meds, benzodiazepines, antibiotics, & OTC... Thanks!
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