About Andrea Scibana Expertise Medications--uses, side effects/general health information, including home care/cardiac issues/caring for aging parents at home, including health issues of the aging/testing procedures/emergency medicine from a nursing standpoint, and issues involving procedures, courses in the ER
Experience Sixteen years as a cardiac nurse, seven years in the emergency room setting, five years working as the sole nurse for an internist/infectious disease physician (I had many responsibilities not usually done in office nursing/working as a telephone triage nurse currently for several pediatric and IM practices. My years seem many, but my ER and telephone triage have overlapped.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Nursing degree from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. I am certified in PICC line placement, and have my credentials for my ACLS, TNCC, PALS
Awards and Honors Nominated several times while in cardiac nursing for nurse of the year
Question Hi. My MD prescribed 10mg of the above medicine for me to try for my restless leg syndrome. I've taken a muscle relaxer years ago for a back injury and didn't like the feeling from it at all. It was like my mind was alert and normal but I had zero control over my body. This is the only other time I've tried taking a muscle relaxer. He said to take one tablet at night before bed. I slept all night but the next day I was completely wiped out. It was like I was a rag doll. The following night I took a half a tablet instead. Same result. Last night I didn't take any and I still am very groggy. Is this normal? Should I only take a 1/4? I'm also taking 15 mg of Mobic and 100 mg of Zoloft every night before bed. Thanks!
Answer Dear Cheryl,
I am so sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I don't usually let time go on this long. I have been working a lot of hours, and haven't been online.
Flexeril (cyclobenzprine) can certainly give you that "ragdoll" effect. The fact that you are taking it with Zoloft at bedtime is probably making you a little hung over.
I certainly can't tell you to take anything but the recommended dose of your medication. That being said, I would think that perhaps the doctor might think of switching you to something else. You have a history of having that same effect in the past from muscle relaxers.
There is a drug out there for RLS called Requip. I have heard that people who take it have great success. Like all medications, though, it is not for everyone.
Perhaps you can speak with your physician about alternate treatment/medications. I certainly cannot speak for you in particular, or your health. But something interesting is that the classification of antidepressants that Zoloft is in, have been linked by many people to increase the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Some say yes, some say no. But it is enough to speak with your physician. It could be that you do so well on Zoloft, that the side effect of RLS, if linked in any way with Zoloft, might not be enough to even consider changing that medication.
Some things you can do are warm or cool baths prior to bed, decreasing, if not cutting out, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and perhaps (again, if okay with your physician) some magnesium supplement.
Best wishes to you, Cheryl. If there is anything I can help you with, please don't hesitate to let me know.
