ConnieD
313 post s
24-Sep-2008
7:36 PM
|
Hey Mark- I hope you are feeling well! Just a quick question on the baclofen. I did one week at 10 mg at bedtime and have done almost two weeks now at 20 mg (10 mg morning and bedtime)- but I'm not seeing any improvements... not sure what improvements I might see. My stiffness has actually increased all this time since I switched to the Requip XL.. I think the dose is too low for me... and I hoped the baclofen would have helped with the cramping in my feet and hands- maybe it's helped with my hands, but my feet keep going- they always seem to happen the same time of day now- about 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm and again from 2:30 am to 8:30 am until my morning XL dose kicks in. These just seem to be too timed, like I'm still having peak/off-peak requip issues perhaps? I would have thought the baclofen could help- am I maybe at too low of doses there too? Thanks so much for your thoughts! Keep well! ((hugs)) Connie
|
Ella
6 post s
5-Oct-2008
6:10 PM
|
Hello again Connie Do you take sinemet? When I started meds I was on Requip for about 18 months. It did work quite well but the dystonia kept winning so my MDS added in Sinemet. I know that most people want to stay away from the Sinemet as long as possible but it is the only thing that seemed to stop the cramping in my foot and leg. So when it gets bad enough I will take anything to stop the discomfort. Since I've been on Sinemet for about 3 1/2 years it has started to change, it isn't working as well as it was. So I have tried different schedules. Presently I take the following and it isn't too bad.
8 a.m. 2mgs Requip and 1/2 Sinemet 100/25
9 a.m. 2mgs Requip and 1/2 Sinemet 100/25
12 p.m. 2mgs Requip
1 p.m. 1 Sinemet 100/25
4 p.m. 2 mgs. Requip
5 p.m. 1 Sinemet 100/25
8 p.m 2mgs. Requip
9 p.m. 1 Sinemet 100/25
|
ThePharmacist
95 post s
15-Oct-2008
1:45 PM
|
I have heard that the xl does not fully cover the complete day for all pd patients. You could try one of two things to try to get better results. In your case it is hard to tell if the requip is not giving you enough coverage or if the baclofen needs to be increased. The baclofen max dose is 80 mg a day. Usually 20 mg 4 times a day. You could increase until relief. Possibly switch back to the regular requip. I never recommend that a patient start or stop 2 meds at the same time. The reason for this is because if you have side effects you never know which one is causing them. In your case you don't know which one is not working enough. Whatever you talk with your dr about, please keep my posted. Best of health, Mark
|
ConnieD
323 post s
15-Oct-2008
8:19 PM
|
Hey Mark, thanks for the post back. It's been some time and I've had other things pop up that I'd never experienced before. I emailed the doc and called his nurse and after two weeks without response (the doc hunting and then to conference for a week) I decided to cut back on the baclofen- things have improved GREATLY- the stiffness still feels extreme. Long story short- he's taking me off the baclofen and then we'll figure out the Requip. What confuses me is why I seem to have these issues with the 'muscle' relaxing/cramping meds- the artane, and now the baclofen. Just has me scratching my head.... after my back surgery last summer I was given muscle relaxers in the hospital- the max dose they would give me and I didn't tolerate it either... I know we're all different, but I'm three for three now- not good. lol! Hope you are well! Take Care and Happy Holidays- yep, we're almost there- eeek!! Connie
|
ThePharmacist
104 post s
29-Oct-2008
7:56 PM
|
hang in there connie. If I can help in any way let me know. Best of health, Mark
|
