Figuring Out Which Medications Are Most Effective

[Colleen]

@jenc I’m not familiar with Zanaflex so I looked it up. It sounds like a helpful drug but it does say, “Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, other muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by tizanidine. Tell your doctor if you need to use any of these other medicines together with Zanaflex.”

As long as it’s helping you sleep and not causing to much fatigue than I’m happy that it is helping you in more ways than one.

I know that in addition to sometimes not knowing which medication is helping, it can also be a challenge figuring out which is causing side effects. Through PH and transplant we try not to start more than one new medication or dosage change on Cullen at a time for this reason. But sometimes one at a time isn’t an option and you have to play chicken or the egg.

[jen-cueva]

Thanks, @colleensteele; I had to chuckle at your last sentence.

Yes, I only take the Zanaflex when in my bed. It also has to be an hour or more apart from my night medications. I also cannot take my pain medications within 2 hours of this one. I was hoping to stop the Zanaflex, but a Manny says, I do sleep with it more, but I still have spasms in mostly my legs.

Hopefully, soon, I can start cutting dosages or transitioning off some of these meds. It is not fun when you need certain meds and can’t take them. Also, my pain doctor reminds me that we must be cautious with my CKD.

It reminds of the fluid balance; this, too, is a careful balancing act. I am clumsy, so maybe that is why I am not good with balancing hehe.

[brillianad]

It’s understandable to be uncertain about which medication is having the most impact, especially when you’re taking multiple ones like Ativan, Zoloft, and Zanaflex. For me personally, Zoloft (sertraline) has been the most effective in managing my anxiety. I found that once I adjusted to the right dose, it helped me feel more balanced and less overwhelmed by anxious thoughts. I order my Zoloft from global-world-delivery.com, and it has worked really well for me. It can take some time to figure out how different medications interact with each other and what works best for you, so it’s totally normal to have moments of doubt.

My advice would be to give yourself grace during this process. Sometimes it’s a bit of trial and error, and as you continue with these treatments, you’ll start to notice more clearly what helps with each aspect of your well-being. Tracking your symptoms and mood in a journal might help you pinpoint what’s making the biggest difference. Keep communicating with your doctor, too—they can help guide you through figuring out the best balance for your specific needs.

[jen-cueva]

Hi @BrillianaD , it’s wonderful to hear yopu are doing better mentally with Zoloft. Although, as you mention, it’s often a trial and error process to find what works best for each of us.

But keeping a list of current medications and updating it often is critical. I like to review my medications not only with my doctors, but also the local and speciality pharmacies who often flag medications that may be contraindicated together.

Tracking symptoms and open and honest commuication with our medical team is always important. Allowing ourselves a litte grace is also a welcomed reminder. Thanks for sharing.

Anyone ordering medications, should be under the supervison of your healthcare team.

[jen-cueva]

I am only using my Ativan as needed for anxiety, but I don’t take it often. Last week, my psychiatrist told me I need to take it when I think about it. For example, last week, we were evacuated most of the day because of a wildfire. I thought I may need it, but then decided not to take it. I found that my daughter and I were together, which helped me focus on us, which was a great distraction.

I continue to take the Zanaflex at bedtime for leg spasms. But I am taking Cymbalta (duloxetine) 20 mg, which my doctor thinks helps anxiety but also should help with some of my chronic pain. But it has been through trial and error to get to this combo that seems to work best for me.

For all of our newer members, this is a wonderful reminder that finding the best medicine regimen for you is often a work in progress. That is where communication with your healthcare team is crucial.