Higher effectiveness for short-term pain relief has been reported with the addition of skeletal muscle relaxant to paracetamol or an NSAID than with the analgesics alone [9–12].
Muscle relaxers (also called muscle relaxants) are prescription medications that affect muscle function. Healthcare providers prescribe them to treat several symptoms, such as muscle spasms, spasticity and musculoskeletal pain.
But the question is, can you take ibuprofen with muscle relaxers? It is important to mention that patients should avoid taking these drugs with ibuprofen as this may cause a dangerous drug interaction.
Scientific evidence and medical consensus indicate that back pain must be treated first with pain-relieving medications, such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If these treatments fail, doctors may prescribe skeletal muscle relaxants for a short duration.
“Naproxen [Aleve] and ibuprofen are better for inflammation and muscle strains. A bonus of Naproxen is you can take it twice a day versus every 4 to 6 hours like with acetaminophen.
If you have tight or cramping muscles but don't have a muscle relaxer or want to avoid the side effects of one, consider OTC options or home remedies. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help alleviate acute back pain or muscle pain.
In particular, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions against using muscle relaxants and opioids together, noting the combination can cause difficulty breathing and death, according to background notes.
Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) is a muscle relaxant that can interact with many medications. This includes many antidepressants, sedatives, and anticholinergic medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Cyclobenzaprine interactions raise the risk of side effects. These include serotonin syndrome, sleepiness, and dry mouth.
“Muscle relaxers, especially those that resemble a class of medication called tricyclic anti-depressants, can interact with anti-depressants and cause dizziness and in rare cases something called serotonin syndrome,” explains Dr. Mukai.
Muscle Relaxers are Only a Short-Term Solution
Addiction, Overdose, and Death. These highly addictive muscle relaxers should never be prescribed for more than two-three weeks, preferably for shorter periods.
But, while the pain is oh so real, it is usually not helpful to run to prescription medication like muscle relaxers. Despite the seeming “quick fix” of popping a pill, these drugs could actually prolong back pain and extend recovery time.
Metaxalone
Taken as 800 mg tablets 3 to 4 times a day, metaxalone (Skelaxin) has the fewest reported side effects. It's also the least likely of the muscle relaxants to make you sleepy.
Muscle relaxer abuse can lead to serious dangers such as an increased risk of overdose, which can result in: stupor. hallucinations. seizures.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help the pain caused by nerve inflammation. Over-the-counter muscle relaxers can also provide a certain degree of relief as well.
The bottom line for weekend warriors is that you cannot combine ibuprofen and naproxen unless it is time for another dose of either medication. If you need additional pain relief, you can combine aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen with acetaminophen.
It is used to relieve pain associated with muscle spasm such as strains and sprains, back pain, and tense neck muscles.
Other ways to help reduce pain and inflammation include exercising, avoiding processed foods (which promote inflammation), reducing stress, not smoking, and getting enough sleep. Wearing a splint or brace on affected joints and seeking physical therapy may also ease your pain and keep you mobile and active.
Muscle stiffness can also develop due to an underlying myopathy, or a disease of the muscles, which can result from metabolic, inflammatory, endocrine, infectious, or medication-related causes.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
Antioxidants are substances that prevent or delay cell damage. They have been found to reduce inflammation greatly and are abundant in fruits and vegetables, especially those of darker color. Along with antioxidants, prebiotics and probiotics were also found to contribute to a reduction in inflammation.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
Succinylcholine. Succinylcholine is the only depolarizing muscle relaxant.