What treatment is recommended for post-transplant muscle cramping and spasm?
Cramping and muscle spasms after transplant usually do not usually respond to treatment with conventional muscle relaxants and pain medications. Because dehydration can increase cramping, it is recommended that patients drink plenty of liquids. Some patients find that drinking tonic water, which contains quinine, provides some relief. Quinine is also available by prescription from your health care provider. Other prescription medications such as Baclofen and Dantrolene may be used alone or in combination with quinine. In some cases of severe cramping resulting from chronic GVHD, low-dose clonazepam may be effective. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and the type of treatment that may be best for your situation. LTFU can provide specific guidelines to your doctor regarding the use of these medications.
