For many years, doctors have prescribed muscle relaxers to help patients become more comfortable during stressful times. While these drugs can be quite effective, should you take them? Here are some of the more important things to consider before popping a muscle relaxer:
Constipation
If you’re constipated, you might experience some relief from consuming a laxative such as Milk of Magnesia. This over-the-counter drug is considered safe and effective for treating occasional constipation. However, if you experience frequent constipation or if it occurs after you take a muscle relaxer, you should talk to your doctor about changing your medication. Your doctor might recommend changing to a different type of medication or adding another drug to your prescription.
Dizziness
Ahead of our review of the Super Cell Muscle Relaxer, we asked Dr. Daniel J. Kleeman, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Ohio State University Medical Center, what he thought about the safety of this particular drug. He stated:
“There have been some concerns related to dizziness and light-headedness with this drug. However, based on my experience, this side effect is extremely uncommon and is mostly observed in people who have a history of this problem. In most cases, it is related to the patient engaging in activities that require them to be physically active while taking this drug, such as participating in a sport. The drug seems to have a low risk of causing this side effect and is considered safe for most patients to take. Nevertheless, if you notice this side effect after taking the medication, it is imperative that you discuss this with your doctor.”
Heart Problems
A large number of individuals experience heart problems after taking a muscle relaxer. These heart problems are usually quite serious and might even lead to death. It’s important to be aware of this risk and to discuss it with your doctor. Your doctor might prescribe you a different type of medication or suggest that you need to avoid taking a muscle relaxer if you have heart disease.
Some people who take muscle relaxers are more susceptible to experiencing heart problems. If you’re one of these people, it might be a good idea to avoid taking this type of medication. If you notice any heart symptoms while on a muscle relaxer, stop taking it and talk to your doctor immediately.
Tiredness
Muscle relaxers are known to cause insomnia and excessive sleeping. If you experience excessive sleep or insomnia while taking a muscle relaxer, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about changing your medication. You may also experience a worsening of your mental health while on a muscle relaxer. If you notice any of these side effects, discontinue using the drug and consult your doctor. Your doctor may be able to suggest another medication or treatment plan that will help you get the best results without experiencing these side effects.
Sleeping Problems
Insomnia is one of the things that you might experience while taking a muscle relaxer. If you have insomnia and are taking a muscle relaxer, it might be a good idea to try switching to another type of medication or to see if there is anything else that your doctor can advise you to try. Some people have reported that taking a different type of medication or natural supplements can help them sleep better and reduce their need for sleeping pills. However, other than trying a different medication, sleeping pills are the only other option available to you. If you decide to try these medications, please be advised that they can be quite dangerous and might even lead to death. Never take more than what your doctor has prescribed you and be sure to consult your doctor before taking any other medication or supplements. Many individuals experience various side effects from sleeping pills, the most common ones being drowsiness and dry mouth. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue taking the medication and consult your doctor. There are also safer, natural alternatives to sleeping pills which your doctor can advise you of.
Loss Of Appetite
A medication called Methylphenidate is often prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a derivative of amphetamine and is known to be an effective treatment for this disorder. Many people who take this medication report that their appetite increases along with their energy levels. If you experience an increase in appetite while taking a medication for ADHD, it may be a good idea to try this drug. However, if you experience any side effects from this medication, such as dry mouth, insomnia, or heart problems, you should discontinue use of the drug and consult your doctor. Your doctor may have alternative treatments for ADHD which doesn’t cause these side effects.
Nervous Or Anxiety Attacks
Some people who take muscle relaxers experience anxious or nervous episodes. If you experience anxious or nervous behavior while on this medication, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you another type of medication or suggest a different treatment plan that will help you feel better. Be sure to keep in mind that you might experience an increase in anxiety while on a muscle relaxer and should seek medical help if this is the case.
Memory Loss
People who take muscle relaxers report experiencing memory loss. If you experience any memory lapses while on this medication, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to suggest another medication or treatment plan that will help you get back on your feet. Be sure to keep in mind that you might experience a decrease in memory while on a muscle relaxer and should seek medical help if this is the case.
Additional Considerations
If you’re using a muscle relaxer, you must be aware of the following additional considerations:
- Your doctor should monitor your progress while you’re on this medication
- You should drink plenty of water while on a muscle relaxer
- You should avoid eating large meals or snacks while on a muscle relaxer
- You should avoid activities that require you to be on your feet for long periods of time
- You should not drive or operate machinery while on a muscle relaxer
Is It Safe To Take A Vitamin C Supplement With A Muscle Relaxer?
In addition to the side effects that we’ve discussed thus far, some people who take a muscle relaxer also experience an adverse reaction to vitamin C. This is especially true in people who take large quantities of this nutrient throughout the day. While it’s important to get enough vitamin C from food sources, it’s also wise to know when taking supplements that this is a safe and effective way to supplement your diet.
If you notice that your tolerance for vitamin C decreases while on a muscle relaxer, you might experience some unpleasant side effects. If you’re not sure how long you’ll need to be on a muscle relaxer, your doctor might recommend trying a smaller dose first and progressively increasing it until you reach the optimal dose. In extreme cases, people have had to discontinue use of the drug due to severe vitamin C toxicity. Vitamin C toxicity can cause nausea, diarrhea, and even more serious reactions such as liver damage.
Overall
If you decide to try a muscle relaxer, please be aware of the potentially serious side effects that you might experience. If you experience any of these side effects, you should discontinue use of the drug and consult your doctor. Your doctor may be able to suggest another medication or treatment plan that will help you get the best results without experiencing these side effects.