Muscle Relaxers Side Effects

Muscle spasm is a condition where involuntary contraction of one or more muscle group takes place. This condition arises when some tear occurs in the muscles or there is some damage to the ligament, which is also referred to as sprain. Muscle relaxers are medicines that are used to release the muscle spasms caused due to some form of injuries to the muscles like strains, sprains, etc.

There are various forms of muscle relaxers that are used for this purpose. Carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol and chlorzoxazone are some of the most commonly used muscle relaxers. All of them are available in the form of tablets and some of them are found in the form of injections too. Basically, muscle relaxers do not cure the pain but have a comforting effect on the muscle spasms and ease off the pain and stiffness of the muscles. They should also be combined with regular exercise, physical therapy and other medications to obtain the best results. Side effects can arise due to various reasons.

Uses of Muscle Relaxers

As we have already discussed, muscle relaxers are excellent for the treatment of any kind of spasm or tenderness associated with muscles. Health conditions that lead to such skeletal muscle problems are fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndromes or pain to any particular part of the body like shoulder and neck area or one-sided pain in the body. Headaches caused due to tension or nocturnal leg cramps are relieved with help of muscle relaxers medications. Muscle relaxers for back pain is well-known to us. They are also effective on certain neurological conditions like any kind of spinal cord injuries or brain injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms occurring as a result of strokes.

Muscle Relaxers Side Effects

When doctors prescribe muscle relaxers, they often advise the patient to take adequate amount of rest. These medicines relax the pain to such an extent that one feels like it has been cured and people start resuming their normal activities. As a result, some of the side effects may show up. Certain health conditions or prolonged use of muscle relaxers could be responsible for side effects too.

Minor Side Effects: Muscle relaxers have sedative effects on the body which leads to drowsiness, dizziness, lightheaded feelings, weakness, fatigue and lack of alertness of mind. It can temporarily affect the vision and cause blurred vision or double vision in some people. Therefore, when under such medications, one should avoid tasks like driving or operating heavy machinery. Dryness of mouth or unpleasant taste in mouth may occur in some people. Discoloration of urine is another temporary side effect often associated with intake of muscle relaxers which go when the intake is stopped.

Serious Side Effects: Some of the serious kind of skeletal muscle relaxants side effects are difficulty in breathing, change of heartbeat, tightness in chest, fainting should be given prompt medical attention. Any kind of allergic reactions like itching, skin rash, hives, swelling of face, redness of eye, stinging sensation should be treated as soon as possible.

Effect on Digestive System: When muscle relaxers are taken for a long period of time it can affect the digestive system. As a result, one may get diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, heartburn, etc. Some people may get constipation as well as the normal bowel movements get affected.

Effect on the Nervous System: Muscle relaxers can have an adverse effect on the central nervous system. The minor side effects that results include confusion, nervousness, trembling, irritability, clumsiness etc. The serious effect of this may result in respiratory failure or cardiovascular collapse.

Effect on Other Medicines: Muscle relaxers when interact with other drugs may cause some serious health problems. Therefore people with health problems like liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, diabetes, overactive thyroid should consult their doctor before the intake of any kind of muscle relaxers. Lactating mothers should avoid taking any muscle relaxers. Anyone with the history of drug abuse or alcohol abuse can get problems after intake of muscle relaxers.

When your doctor is prescribing you any muscle relaxers, you must give information of all kinds of medicines that you are taking. To minimize the side effects, one must strictly follow the instructions given by the doctor.