Kathy,

I've been off-list for a week (Laura's been in the hospital), so I don't
know if Ken responded or not, but I think he's doing z-flex too (right,
Ken?).  Did you get the "starter kit" with the blue nylon bag and all the
patient info?  There are good data in it about indications and dosing.

I seemed to do a lot better with reduced spasticity the first time I took
the stuff.  I'm just tired of the meds gorking me out all the time.  It puts
pressure on the family life when the kids wanna go play and it's all you can
do to keep your eyes open.  Seems like it's either that, or flop around on
the ground all the time from the spasms.  Can't beat it for a sleep aid,
though, eh?

-Kyle
-----Original Message-----
From: K. Salkin [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2001 12:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Zanaflex


Hi, Kyle,

I'm taking 2mg four times a day.  You're right, the drowsiness is not
helping me function that well, so I'm making an appointment with my
neurologist to see if he thinks just taking it at bedtime would be OK.  Its
effectiveness may depend on the drug being constantly in the system; hence
the around-the-clock dosage.

           Kathy

"St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List" <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> Kathy,

I recently returned to Zanaflex after a forced 3-year hiatus (insurance co.
would not approve--still haven't yet--I'm using 'physician's samples').

I found that my first go-around with Zanaflex to be more therapeutic than
now, but the greatest issue I have with the drug is incapacitating
drowsiness.  I would not dare take the stuff in the daytime--20 minutes
after ingestion and it's, "Boom, Boom,  out go the lights!".  So I still
have daytime spasms.  I do get night-time relief, though.  Are you taking
4mg/day?  If not, what's your dosage and interval?

Regarding your other symptoms, I haven't experienced the dry-mouth, but the
weakness in the musculature simply means the med is doing its job.

-Kyle