Suggestions? (muscle relaxer / pain medication)

**bigdogchief76** · 12-17-2010, 07:15 PM

Any suggestions for a solid combo for muscle relaxer/pain med?

Can't do Lortab; made me horribly sick with bad constipation.

I'm currently on Percocet.

**KBear** · 12-17-2010, 10:42 PM

The two muscle relaxers that I hear prescribed the most (and I have at one point taken both) are Flexiril (sp?) and Zanaflex. I originally was on Flexiril and then switched to Zanaflex for help sleeping. Pain medication made me very hyper, so I couldn't take it at night and sleep, so I took the muscle relaxers at night so I could get relief and sleep.

On Lortab making you sick, I wonder if it was because of the higher hydrocodone in it, or just the hydrocodone in general. There are several names for basically the same drug, here are some for just Lortab- Anexsia, Dolorex Forte, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Polygesic, Stagesic, Vicodin, Xodol, Zamicet, Zydone. The major differences are the hydrocodone content (first number is this) and the acetaminophen content (second number.) When I took it, it was the brand name Norco and was 10/325. Initially in the ER they prescribed Norco and it made me crazy, I couldn't hardly talk or function; but was still in pain. That is when my doctor lowered the dose to 7.5/325 and added the muscle relaxer, that did the trick. There are also other medications that are non-narcotic that can help. Cymbalta, an anti depressant is great for pain, really helped me (though it can be hard to get off of, but a lifesaver when you need it.) There is also Lyrica or Neurontin for nerve pain. I was on both of those too, as part of my overall pain management. Not sure if you have a pain management doctor, who just does that, but they are awesome and really help.

**Justin** · 12-18-2010, 01:45 AM

Originally Posted by bigdogchief76

Any suggestions for a solid combo for muscle relaxer/pain med?

Can't do Lortab; made me horribly sick with bad constipation.

I'm currently on Percocet.

There are many muscle relaxers. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine is the generic, much cheaper) is commonly written; however, it can be sedating and cause drowsiness, as many muscle relaxers do. I used Skelaxin (metaxalone) and Flexeil briefly in the past and they were helpful...go with the generics.

**mmarsh** · 12-19-2010, 05:03 PM

I combine Soma (muscle relaxant) and Percocet (or other pain reliever) during the day and add Amrix (muscle relaxant) which is time released and only used before bedtime. It helped me sleep, especially when I first started taking it. As the pain has worsened for me it's difficult to sleep. Generics are way cheaper and for me as effective but sometimes a bit harder to swallow. Good luck.

**Justin** · 12-20-2010, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by mmarsh

I combine Soma (muscle relaxant) and Percocet (or other pain reliever) during the day and add Amrix (muscle relaxant) which is time released and only used before bedtime. It helped me sleep, especially when I first started taking it. As the pain has worsened for me it's difficult to sleep. Generics are way cheaper and for me as effective but sometimes a bit harder to swallow. Good luck.

Amrix is just a "rebranded" cyclobenzaprine. The patent on Flexeril was expiring, so the drug company had to come up with a way to charge a premium price for an old drug. Personally, I would stick with the regular cyclobenzaprine--the Amrix is a waste of money for a drug that is readily available at a much cheaper price.

Just my

**SemperFi** · 12-21-2010, 03:51 PM

Right on Justin! This kind of information is greatly appreciated to keep us less informed folks from getting suckered with pharmaceutical costs! thanks!!!

**mmarsh** · 12-21-2010, 05:23 PM

Thanks, Justin! If only I had known! Always go for the cheaper stuff!

M-

**mmarsh** · 01-01-2011, 06:07 PM

Just a quick update on the difference in pricing between generic and brand name drugs. I went to fill my Amrix scrip and they (my great new ins co!) were going to charge me $249 and change (for 30 pills) (they were sustained release!). I called the docs office and said I need the generic and then they charged me $16 and change (for 90 pills). WOW! Somebody is making some serious money here and it isn't me! BTW, I slept just as well with the generic as I had been with the name brand.

Obviously, Justin, your opinion was worth WAY MORE than 2 cents!

**Justin** · 01-01-2011, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by mmarsh

Just a quick update on the difference in pricing between generic and brand name drugs. I went to fill my Amrix scrip and they (my great new ins co!) were going to charge me $249 and change (for 30 pills) (they were sustained release!). I called the docs office and said I need the generic and then they charged me $16 and change (for 90 pills). WOW! Somebody is making some serious money here and it isn't me! BTW, I slept just as well with the generic as I had been with the name brand.

Wow, what a price difference!

I'm glad the generic is working well. Most physicians will go the extra mile and help patients find the cheapest medications that can help.

Originally Posted by mmarsh

Obviously, Justin, your opinion was worth WAY MORE than 2 cents!

Great news!

**KanRunMo** · 01-04-2011, 02:50 PM

I found the hydrocodone (Loritab) etc., to make me a little nauseated and dizzy also. I cut the pills in half and never took them right before bed and it seemed to eliminate most of the bad symptoms. However, I have quit hydrocodone completely and have found that if I just take an ibupropen or a generic of Celebrex it works as well. Make sure you aren't mixing medications and if so, eliminate one at a time.