Okay my experiences with meds for spasticity (keep in mind most of these
side effects are not found in most people - my body is weird and reacts in
wonderful ways).
First was clomazapan. Was stoned and unable to safely walk or talk.
Drooled, spilled coffee down my shirt and didn't realize wasn't getting it
into my mouth. That was on one tablet a day low dose - yup intervention by
friends after 2 weeks who said - drop it. Dr. agreed.
Baclofen was
increased until I could no longer safely walk with the walker and it did not
work on the spasticity or spasms. Zanafelex was increased to a level that
allowed the spasms to be manageable but casued daily "seizure like"
activity - was really scary to friends and family.
Valium - well I thought
valium was working okay but to quote my son - "this isn't my mom - she is
wired - higher than a kite". Yup Miss wired but making no sense. Did not
make me drowsy one bit - never slept at all for weeks I am sure. Pat said I
talked in my sleep. Would not have ever driven with it - and it did not
control the spasticity.
The best combination for me was
Keppra - an epilepsy drug and
gabapentin. I
still struggle with drowsiness but know my limits for driving etc and what
time of the day I have to drop for a nap. It keeps the spasms to a minimum
and the spasticity in my foot to a minimum so long as I space the meds
properly and don't miss a single dose, watch for any infection in my body.
Did that help any??? Most people have no problem with baclofen by the way
in my studies. It worked for them - of course it didn't for me that was for
sure.
I wish I could help in some way. Give it a good try (I think I gave it 3
months on that one) and see if it can help. There are still choices out
there. The Keppra for me has really helped.
Some links to meds. Baclofen is definitely a number one used one.
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1915 http://www.mdvu.org/library/disease/...y/spa_mtop.asp http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Stroke...sages/132.html A link for
suggestion for Keppra for stroke patients with spasticity.
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/169/11/1173 Alink to gabapentin (there
are more). Several people here including Diane C are using it for pain
fibro I think - improves sleep quality. I can't do without it for my
spasticity. I can tell if I miss one pill or am late.
Good luck - well worth trying Donna.
Kelly
"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:1540-48499222-1315@storefull-3115.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
>
> Anyone have any experience with this med at all?
>
> If so, does it leave you groggy and sleepy all the time?
>
> My rehab doc would like me to consider this med for the spasticity I was
> left with after my stroke. We are still doing the botox injections to
> help with the spasticity, but he thinks the addition of the baclofen
> would be good also and help me to get further along with some
> strengthening for when the time comes to have my knee replaced. I'm
> just not sure about the baclofen.
>
> Also, we're going to try to buy a little time before the knee
> replacement by trying the injections of orthovisc which is similar to
> the synvisc.
>
> The knee is in bad shape, but we have to kind of figure out if I have it
> replaced, how to do the rehab since I don't have full use of that leg
> since the stroke. Rehab doc said I may have to stay in the hospital
> rehab section again for a bit. We'll see. One step at a time for now.
>
> So, would love to hear any input or experience anyone might have with
> baclofen!
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna
> .
> .
> .
> .
> 1.) ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
> call them FRIENDS......
>
>
> 2.) J.K.M.A.
> 
Baclofen? 
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