Hi Dr. Landolfi;
Here is the next question from the group. First though, I want to pass on the sincere "thanks" expressed by many of the group members for your assistance.
What are these classes of drugs that can be used to control muscle spasticity (and neuropathies), and what are the names of the drugs in each category?
We have heard ...that there are several classes of drugs and about 15 drugs between these classes of drugs.
Thank you (as always)
Bruce
The doctor's response...
I am not familiar with the classes. Typically one can use benzodiazepines like valium for spasticity. With newer drugs like Baclofen (a gaba agonist) and Xanoflex, we don't use valium. A drug called Dantrolene can also be used but has the side effect of muscle weakness because it works on the muscle itself. The others are centrally acting in the nervous system. I prefer baclofen, also called liorasol. For local muscle spasm-a injection of botulism toxin can be effective for months.
Dr. Landolfi