Muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory medicines

Muscle relaxants are prescribed for selected spasms or tightness and may reduce muscle activity or the signals that sustain spasm. Anti-inflammatory medicines target pain and inflammation through a different pathway. They do not treat every cause of pain, and neither medicine replaces an assessment when pain is severe, recurrent, or linked with weakness or nerve symptoms.

Some muscle relaxants can cause sleepiness, dizziness, slowed reactions, or reduced coordination. Anti-inflammatory medicines may irritate the stomach and can be unsuitable with some kidney, heart, blood pressure, bleeding, pregnancy, or asthma concerns. The exact risks depend on the active ingredients and your health history.

Check the active ingredient, dose, timing, and intended duration with a healthcare professional. Do not add another pain or cold medicine without checking for duplicate ingredients. Avoid alcohol and driving if the muscle relaxant makes you drowsy. Take an anti-inflammatory only as directed, particularly if you have a history of stomach ulcer, kidney disease, blood-thinning treatment, or medication reactions.

Gentle movement, heat or cold when suitable, and treatment of the underlying problem may be part of the plan. Back Muscle Spasm and Muscle Cramps provide related symptom information.

Get urgent help for facial swelling, wheezing, trouble breathing, fainting, severe confusion, black stools, vomiting blood, or severe chest or abdominal pain after taking a medicine. Seek prompt assessment for new limb weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or pain after a significant injury.

Ask which medicine is intended for which symptom, whether both are appropriate with your current medicines, how long to use them, and what side effects warrant stopping or calling. Confirm whether you need a stomach-protection plan, a different option, or physiotherapy.