How many muscle relaxers can you take

Cyclobenzaprine may enhance the effects of other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and narcotics. According to the DEA, abusers often combine cyclobenzaprine with these depressants to produce or enhance psychoactive effects. Though it is not a controlled substance, the DEA has recorded anecdotal reports of use to induce euphoria and relaxation.

Though rare, deaths can occur from cyclobenzaprine overdose, especially in the case of multiple drug ingestion. The FDA recommends that doctors contact a poison control center for current information on treatment for an overdose, as the management of a case is complex. The most common manifestations associated with overdose are drowsiness and an abnormally rapid heart rate tachycardia.

Less common effects include body twitches tremor , the loss of control of bodily movements ataxia , hypertension, agitation, slurred speech, nausea, confusion, dizziness, hallucination, vomiting and coma. Rare but critical effects include cardiac arrest, chest pain and seizures.

A formulation of cyclobenzaprine is now being tested to treat combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Currently, it is in its third trial of drug testing and is being studied on military personnel.

Research has found, so far, that the drug can help those with PTDS sleep better and have fewer nightmares. A , a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study published by The Journal of Rheumatology found that the drug may also be useful in treating those with fibromyalgia sleep better. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Muscle relaxers, or muscle relaxants, are medications used to treat muscle spasms or muscle spasticity. Muscle spasms or cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles.

They can be caused by too much muscle strain and lead to pain. Muscle spasticity , on the other hand, is a continuous muscle spasm that causes stiffness, rigidity, or tightness that can interfere with normal walking, talking, or movement.

Muscle spasticity is caused by injury to parts of the brain or spinal cord involved with movement. Conditions that can cause muscle spasticity include multiple sclerosis MS , cerebral palsy , and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS. Prescription drugs can help relieve the pain and discomfort from muscle spasms or spasticity. In addition, certain over-the-counter medications may be used to treat aches and pains associated with muscle spasms.

Prescription medications are divided into two groups: antispasmodics and antispastics. Antispasmodics are used to treat muscle spasms, and antispastics are used to treat muscle spasticity. Some antispasmodics, such as tizanidine, can be used to treat muscle spasticity. However, antispastics should not be used to treat muscle spasms. Centrally acting SMRs are used in addition to rest and physical therapy to help relieve muscle spasms.

You should only use these muscle relaxants for up to 2 or 3 weeks. The safety of longer-term use is not yet known.

While antispasmodics can be used to treat muscle spasms, they have not been shown to work better than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs or acetaminophen. You should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of these medications for the treatment of your muscle spasms. Antispastics are used to treat muscle spasticity. They should not be used to treat muscle spasms. These drugs include:. Baclofen : Baclofen Lioresal is used to relieve spasticity caused by MS.

Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. Dantrolene : Dantrolene Dantrium is used to treat muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, or MS. Having muscle tightness and pain is a common but bothersome problem for people who exercise or those with underlying conditions. Learn about a variety…. Calf muscle pain is often caused by overuse or a sports injury.

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We also discuss when to see a…. What is cyclobenzaprine? Cyclobenzaprine side effects. Cyclobenzaprine may interact with other medications. How to take cyclobenzaprine. Take it as directed. Cyclobenzaprine cost. Important considerations for taking cyclobenzaprine. Are there any alternatives? Important warnings. Cyclobenzaprine warnings. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN. What causes calf muscle pain? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Causes and treatment of lower back spasms. Home remedies for fast back pain relief. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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