20 Astonishing Reasons Why Your Muscle Relaxers Might Not Be Your Friend

They seem like the perfect solution: a quick pill to melt away agonizing muscle spasms, quell chronic pain, or ease the relentless grip of spasticity. Muscle relaxers are often prescribed as a fast-track to comfort, offering respite from the sudden, involuntary contractions that can sideline your life. But what if this seemingly friendly ally harbors a complex, often surprising, darker side? Beyond the immediate relief, these medications can wield subtle yet profound impacts you might not expect. Prepare to look beyond the prescription pad as we unveil 20 astonishing reasons why your muscle relaxers might not be your friend, exposing the hidden complexities and unforeseen consequences that demand your careful attention.

1. Dizziness

Dizziness is a common side effect of centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxants. These medications are prescribed alongside physical therapy and rest to help with muscle spasm relief. They act on the central nervous system by creating a sedating effect or preventing the nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain. As the effects of long-term use are not proven, patients should not take these for longer than two to three weeks. Patients experiencing dizziness may have trouble keeping their balance and suddenly get lightheaded when they stand up. Though dizziness is not always a sign of a serious problem, patients should talk to a doctor if it is interfering with their day-to-day life. They also should not drive a car or do other potentially dangerous tasks until they are aware of how the medication affects them. Individuals should not take muscle relaxants with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, as this can lead to worse dizziness and potential coma or death.