There isn't one single "best" muscle relaxer for Multiple Sclerosis (MS); doctors often start with Baclofen, a primary choice for MS spasms, or Tizanidine, especially if sedation helps sleep, but other options like diazepam or Botox injections are also used, depending on symptom severity and individual response, with a neurologist guiding treatment for stiffness, spasms, and pain.
Many 'traditional' muscle spasm medications such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), methocarbamol (Robaxin), metaxalone (Skelaxin), and tizanidine (Zanaflex) can help to relieve muscle spasms or tightness in patients with MS.
On occasion, some women have reported breast pain, although it's unclear if such pain is directly associated with MS. MS is characterized by muscle spasms and abnormal sensations, called dysesthesia, that may be felt in the chest/breast area.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Medications are available to treat the symptoms of the MS Hug. These include antispasticity medications such as Baclofen (lioresal), Valium (diazepam), Lorazepam, and Zanaflex. Also, neuropathic pain relief medications such as Lyrica (pregabalin) and Neurontin (gabapentin) can provide some relief.
Spasticity is a common symptom of MS. It often begins as a feeling of stiffness or muscle tightness, especially after a period of prolonged inactivity such as a long-distance car ride or upon awakening in the morning. As a person moves around a little bit, the feeling often goes away.
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a fast-acting medicine and you should start to feel some muscle relaxant effects within 30 minutes to one hour. The drowsy side effect will set in quickly, too, so be sure you are not driving or doing other hazardous activities.
The main difference lies in their strength and side effects; Soma is usually considered stronger than Robaxin but may come with more potential for side effects like drowsiness or dependence.
The best muscle relaxers for specific kinds of pain are listed below.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You can spend it on whatever you need, such as paying for support to remain independent during relapses, or to help with extra costs such as heating, transport or help around the house. Some people with MS assume they can't get PIP because they're 'not disabled enough'.
MS-related itching can happen anywhere on the body and can affect one or both sides. It most commonly affects the face, torso, arms, and legs.
MS Symptoms in Legs
The top symptoms in the legs include: Weakness: Legs may feel heavy, fatigued, or harder to move, especially after walking or standing for long periods. Numbness or Tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation, or complete numbness, often starting in the feet and moving upward.
Corticosteroids. These medicines reduce nerve inflammation. For MS, the corticosteroids used are oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone.
Heart attack, recent or. Heart block or. Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia) or. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Baclofen is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. Baclofen acts on the spinal cord nerves and decreases the number and severity of muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord conditions.
Commit to regular exercise.
Research shows that people with MS who participate in an aerobic exercise program benefit from improved cardiovascular fitness, increased strength, better bladder and bowel function, and a more upbeat attitude.
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a disease modifying drug (DMD) for relapsing remitting MS. You take Kesimpta as an injection under the skin once a month. It reduces the number of relapses by about two thirds (70%).
Vitamin D Deficiency
Research suggests a link between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of developing MS. Populations living in regions with limited sunlight exposure, such as northern latitudes, are more prone to vitamin D deficiency, which might explain the higher incidence rates in these areas.
The NICE guideline for MS recommends that baclofen should be the first drug used when treating MS spasticity (muscle stiffness). Baclofen is also sometimes used in combination with other medication to treat trigeminal neuralgia. It can help to relax the muscles and ease the pain.
Gabapentin has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 2602 ratings on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 21% reported a negative effect. Robaxin-750 has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 41 ratings on Drugs.com.
Using carisoprodol together with methocarbamol may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
Muscle relaxers have a potential for misuse and addiction, especially carisoprodol and diazepam. Prolonged use can lead to increased tolerance and physical dependence.
By helping these muscles relax, muscle relaxers relieve this pressure, which can lead to decreased pain and improved range of motion. This benefit is particularly important in conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, or pinched nerves.
Baclofen may also be used to relieve other conditions as determined by your doctor. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Tablet.