Posted by: mdubovick ®
08/28/2007, 04:56:19
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The Archives section of this board has numerous discussions about medications and alternatives to Botox.The ironic part of using medications is, what works for one person may not work for the next. And if a medication does work for you, your body eventually adapts to the medication, rendering it ineffective long term. BUT this does not mean that you shouldn't try. Some of the medications used by people with SD are commonly used by people with general dystonia. Medications include Baclofen, a muscle relaxant; Klonopin (generic name Clonazepam)is an anti-seizure drug. Neurontin (generic name Gabapentin) is an anti-seizure drug also used to treat severe pain; Artane (generic name Trihexyphenidyl) is an anti-Parkinson drug; I sure there are many more drugs and like I said, you'll find them by reading through the Archives section. I should also mention that some people benefit from Acupuncture including me. However, like most people, I found acupuncture a good supplement (to Botox), not a substitute as it was not very effective used by itself.
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Posted by: Hoarse Whisperer ®
08/29/2007, 00:55:24
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I've written more about this in previous posts, which are in the archives, but I get an almost completely normal voice after taking the sleeping aid Ambien. My doctor said it probably blunts the central nervous system response to vocal chord function. I don't use it often, but it's nice to know I can if I really need it. Interestingly, although I feel more relaxed, it doesn't make me drowsy or "out of it" at all.Sometimes patients are prescribed medications like Valium or Xanax to help control the muscle spasms and anxiety. I've tried both and neither really helped my voice, but the Valium did help the muscle spasms. I've heard of others who have gotten great results and much better voices with Xanax and also with Klonopin, which I haven't tried. Any of the benzodiazepine type medications are supposed to help with anxiety symptoms. However, there can be a risk of dependency. It's so true that what works for one person may not help another person at all, and if something does work, it may not keep working. It's very confusing and frustrating. Good luck! Lori
4deluca@airmail.net
AB/SD since 2003
Dallas, Texas
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Posted by: Mitzi ®
09/11/2007, 15:04:47
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Hello, I haven't been on here in a while, so it's nice to be back to a great support system! I have had AD/SD for about 20 years and to tell you the truth, instead of letting people know why I sound so horrible, I find excuses like...oh, I have a cold, or laryngitis. About 3 years ago, working for a stressful software company (sales) I would get so much anxiety thinking about being on the phone, so my doctor prescribed Lexapro and a small dose of valium. It did help the voice somewhat, but probably because it helped with the general anxiety over being on the phone. I am starting a new position tomorrow... IT sales and I am going through alot of anxiety again, so my voice is bad right now. I will not have health insurance for 3 mths. Does anyone know of any over the counter medications that help at all?? Thanks for the support!
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Posted by: Hoarse Whisperer ®
09/12/2007, 00:00:53
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If you look in the archives, some people on the board have experienced relief with cough syrups that contain dextromethorphan, although I tried it and it didn't help me at all.I was told at a local support group meeting that the NIH even did a study comparing this with various other medications, like clonazepam, but I don't know what the final results were. According to the person who participated in the study, the clonazepam helped him significantly. If you already know something works for you, but cannot afford the doctor visits, etc., you can order online. Some better brand name medications are less expensive online than the generic versions are at the local pharmacy. Lori
4deluca@airmail.net
AB/SD since 2003
Dallas, Texas
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Posted by: Mitzi ®
09/14/2007, 08:54:59
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Thanks Lori, I actually have an appointment today with my physician to hopefully go back on Lexapro. In general I know that I suffer from anxiety & depression and because of this new job and anxiety over having to speak, I am worse than usual. Can you order prescription drugs on-line without a prescription? I have been very afraid of getting Botox injections because my grandmother had the same thing, got the injections and couldn't speak at all for 3 weeks and told me never to do it. My problem is that I cannot afford to take off for more than a few days on a new job and I cannot tell them I have a voice disorder, because my job requires me to be on the phone all day selling. But when my insurance kicks in in 3 mths, I really need to try something. It's scary because it seems people have so many different reactions, and having no voice may be worse than what I have now. Thanks for the support!
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Posted by: Hoarse Whisperer ®
09/17/2007, 20:13:51
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Mitzi,
Yes, you can order medications online. Send me an email if you want more specific information.
If I were you, I wouldn't resist trying Botox just because your Grandmother didn't have a good result. Every patient is different. Also, I don't know how long ago she had her injections, but the medical knowledge about SD and the methods and techniques for treatment have improved greatly over the past few years.
Lori
4deluca@airmail.net
AB/SD since 2003
Dallas, Texas
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