Re: Baclofen and Rivotril andPLS

June 21, 2004

Correction: Rivotril is the same as Clonzapem and not epam as i

wrote in my message altho i believe the 2 drugs are very similiar.

maureen

> I am wondering if Baclofen or Rivoltril has helped anyone here!! When

> my symptoms began markedly increased 7 years ago, I was prescribed

> Rivotril (diazepam). this helped my anxiety for my fear of falling

> immensely and helped me to walk better. It still does. 2 years ago

> in addition to my walking problems my speech became slurred. I have

> found this to be exaggerated even more after taking Rivotril. ALso

> found that i didnt have strength of speech and began to have problems

> swallowing food. Just recently my neuro prescribed Baclofen and have

> found that it has givem me back my speech in that i have strength in

> my voice again. People can now understand me. I still have the

> slurring but not as bad. Also i dont have the swallowing problems

> anymore. I can now take more Rivotril to help with the walking

> because of the Baclofen.

>

> So would like to hear whether anyone else has had success with these

> medications.

>

> I await your responses.

>

> Maureen

June 21, 2004

I was diagnosed two years ago and put on baclofin but had experience anxiety

problems in work a year before and was placed on celexa. I also was prescribed

lorasapam after the baclofin.

They all help but I'm experiencing the speech slur and swallowing & gagging

as time goes by. I thought it was just progress of PLS.

CATHY IN AZ

June 21, 2004

Maureen,

I haven't taken Rivoltril but take Baclofen. Without Baclofen I'd be

too rigid to move. It helps me stay independent. Baclofen helped my

speech for a couple of years, too. I found once I adjusted to the

dosage required it was very beneficial. It always took me longer and

with a slower ramp up schedule to find my optimum dosage.

I've progressed from oral Baclofen tablets to a Baclofen pump.

Lynn (Forestville)

> I am wondering if Baclofen or Rivoltril has helped anyone here!!

When

> my symptoms began markedly increased 7 years ago, I was prescribed

> Rivotril (diazepam). this helped my anxiety for my fear of falling

> immensely and helped me to walk better. It still does. 2 years ago

> in addition to my walking problems my speech became slurred. I have

> found this to be exaggerated even more after taking Rivotril. ALso

> found that i didnt have strength of speech and began to have

problems

> swallowing food. Just recently my neuro prescribed Baclofen and

have

> found that it has givem me back my speech in that i have strength in

> my voice again. People can now understand me. I still have the

> slurring but not as bad. Also i dont have the swallowing problems

> anymore. I can now take more Rivotril to help with the walking

> because of the Baclofen.

>

> So would like to hear whether anyone else has had success with these

> medications.

>

> I await your responses.

>

> Maureen

June 21, 2004

Maureen,

I was initially put on Valium (diazepam in the US) and baclofen. While I was

being weaned off the diazepam, I began to experience paroxysmal spasms, a

pseudo seizure, and was scared to death! I was put on Klonopin (clonazepam)

to replace it. My current neuro said he would have started me on the

Klonopin originally instead of the diazepam. Now, my pharmacist tells me it

is 10 times stronger than diazepam and the withdrawal is worse. Great! Now

what?! I was put on Klonopin to help with the seizures. It is nice that it

is also a muscle relaxant and an antianxiety agent. I take 7 mg per day of

it, 80 mg per day of baclofen and 40 mg per day of Zanaflex (tizanidine). I

am able to walk fairly well around the house. My startle reflex, which was

making me fall frequently, is now under control. I do use a 4 wheeled walker

at work and in public if I am going to be in open spaces. I do get sleepy

somewhat, but am taking 200 mg of Provigil to help with that. I guess I

wouldn't want to do without any of the meds I'm taking. I tried to wean

myself off Klonopin, which my neuro said I could do when I felt better, and

found that the 7 mgs is the right dose for me. After I lowered my dose by 1

mg, I was stiff within 24 hours and had difficulty walking and sitting. I

got better within 12 hours of starting it again. So, no more messing around

with my meds.

Hope this helps.

Mike Gray

Logansport IN

Baclofen and Rivotril andPLS