Muscle relaxers?

[fbodgrl]

Thanks I will check.

[mrsD]

@fmichael:

The Soma product in 2007 was a NEW patent for a different dosing. The little company who has that patent, goes back several sales and mergers ago--so I would expect studies to have dates around that time. The original manufacturer was Wallace who also had Meprobamate (Miltown). The launch and thrust of the new Soma was to block generics and re-establish a brand name for the product and hence make more $$ for Meda.
This rather failed however at the time, as doctors and insurance formularies refused to pay for the added expense. However, I just did a search on Orange Book at the FDA site, and could not find generic Soma anymore. So something happened when it went on control I presume.

Soma is derived from Meprobamate BTW. So it has abuse potential. Also it has all the side effects etc. It is now a Federally controlled substance category IV. (4)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carisoprodol

Wallace was purchased and the name changed to Medpointe, which was also sold and became Meda. As far as I can remember this company provides all the raw material Soma powder to generic manufacturers still (there is a combo product with aspirin generically still available). (but that may have changed with the Meda takeover..so don't quote me on that).

Meprobamate has fallen into disuse in the US.

This is the listing from FDA Medwatch reports on Soma:
http://www.drugcite.com/?q=Soma

This drug in combination with opiates has a controversial status as contributing to death, by accident or suicidal intent.
In the past I've seen autopsy stats on this combo listed in several states in combination with hydrocodone. For this reason some doctors today may refuse to prescribe it.

This link shows the new patent for Soma 250mg issued in 2007.
http://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-soma.html

However, it also shows generic companies for it... but they do not show
up on the FDA listings today. So I don't know what the availability is for generics.

[nikmcjo]

Originally Posted by musicgirl757

Does anyone else find that they have unusually tight muscles? If so do you take a muscle relaxer? Which one is the most effective. I take flexural and I stopped taking it because it does absolutely nothing for me. Any one else have success with other medicines?

I take Skelaxin (Metaxalone) 800mg 4 time a day. For me, it helps. It isn't a cure all medicine or anything, but it takes the edge off enough for me to be able to do stuff. It also doesn't make me feel nauseous or drowzy, something that's really important since I'm a college student and since I have two jobs. It's not something I really "notice" working, but it's one of those that takes the edge off enough for me. I know that if I forget to take it a day, I definitely feel the difference...

Edit: Oops...just realized I apparently commented pretty much the same thing a few months ago haha...

[1sadhaka]

Cyclobenzaprin helps some - never is it gone. I also use salan Paz patches and Deep Blue Rub, along with neck wraps daily.
Good luck

[Djhasty]

mrsD:
Thanks again for the info on low magnesium levels. I've opted to go the 3 oz of almonds each day and MagnesiumIT lotion route. The lotion is ordered. Meanwhile I'm enjoying the almonds. I'm glad to have the option of not taking another pill. The information in the links you provided is very interesting. Sounds like the magnesium might just be what I need. I hope so. I'm looking forward to some relief.

Originally Posted by mrsD

Epsom salts are a very good idea... magnesium is commonly deficient in Americans, and some studies say up to 70% do not consume the RDA of this critically important mineral.

When low muscles cannot relax properly, after use (contraction), this may be due to poor magnesium supply.

Also magnesium will lower high blood pressure (relaxes artery contraction).

Magnesium also blocks the pain receptor NMDA...(calcium and aspartate, glutamate stimulate this receptor).

NMDA antagonists are used to control chronic pain conditions. Examples are in addition to magnesium, Namenda and Dextromethorphan.

The magnesium in epsom salts crosses the skin into the body.
We at PN forum here use it for foot pain.
When soaking in epsom salts works, then that indicates an oral
product may be also needed.

Here is my magnesium thread, that discusses depletions due to certain drug use, poor diet and foods that provide magnesium for you, and how to choose a good oral supplement (avoid oxide form).

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1138.html

I really think many here can benefit from some sort of magnesium intervention. And you cannot live without it. Get too low and your heart rhythm can be impaired and you may
suffer from an arrhythmia.