Methocarbamol - Anybody with fibromyalgia taking this? I have terrible muscle spasms. This is only?

Hank, thanks for the note. I started taking methocarbamol last summer. Nothing else stopped the muscle spasms I have all over my body; literally in my legs, arms, neck, back, abdomen. My insurance company used to pay for it, but this year changed its mind. They say it is not supported by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia. (Not asking for fibro treatment, asking for muscle spasm treatment!) Plus, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services say it is a "high risk medication" and The American Geriatrics Society says it is "a potentially inappropriate medication for use in older adults." (I am 61) Hmmm... sounds more like they just want to push the newer drugs. Metho actually works! It is so good to hear from someone else who thinks that too. I had to move recently, and my new provider does not seem to want to help me get this drug. Guess I need to find another doctor who is more understanding.

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I'm 67. I was an athlete my entire life. Snow and water skiing, scuba, climbing, hiking, and an avid motorcycle rider. I've recently returned to saltwater guiding and fishing. I sustained my share of injuries along the way. Reflecting back on my active lifestyle I realize that I have had fibromyalgia a very long time. I was finally diagnosed in my 30's. The syndrome knocked me to my knees at 55 and put me in bed at 61. The excruciating pain, migraines and the rest were overwhelming and then came the spasms. I thought my bones would break! The control med was cyclobenzaprine 10mg. The spasms subsided but I went to sleep. Not much good for me during waking hours. So I moved to methocarbamol 500mg, 2 every 8 hours during the day and use the cyclobenzaprine at bedtime. The c-benzaprine has the benefit of helping with the insomnia. This regime was begun after much research on the part of myself, my pharmacist spouse and in collaboration with my primary care physcian.

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