Mild muscle relaxer: what to know

Muscle relaxants are prescription medicines used for selected patterns of tightness or spasm. They do not repair a strained muscle or remove the cause of pain. Some can make you sleepy, dizzy, or less alert, and effects vary between medicines. Tell the prescriber about other medicines, alcohol use, pregnancy, liver or kidney problems, and any history of falls.

Take the medicine exactly as directed and do not share it or increase the dose because pain persists. Until you know how it affects you, avoid driving, operating machinery, and activities needing quick reactions. Gentle movement, heat when suitable, hydration, and treatment of the underlying problem may be part of the plan. For related symptoms, see Back Muscle Spasm or Muscle Cramps.

Get urgent help for extreme sleepiness, confusion, fainting, slow or difficult breathing, facial swelling, or a widespread rash after a dose. Contact the prescriber if dizziness causes unsteadiness, symptoms worsen, or the medicine is not helping. New weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin with back symptoms needs urgent assessment.

Ask what problem the medicine is treating, how long to use it, and which side effects warrant a call. Confirm whether your regular medicines or alcohol could interact with it.