Tell me about muscle relaxers please

[thom]

I finally went to the doc this am because my ribs were hurting so badly last night. Nothing cracked and they also checked me for kidney infection & pregnancy. I'm not PG.

Anyhow, he thinks I just pulled and aggravated some muscles & prescribed muscle relaxers as needed. Flexeril. I've never taken any, so I'm just wondering what people's experience is with them? Anyone?

I'm not supposed to operate heavy machinery on them, so I have a feeling they'll be restricted to night time use or daytime emergency.

I'm ok to keep "exercising as normal" so long as things don't hurt worse. I think I'll try for a run tomorrow morning and see. Yesterday & today it's absolutely not happening.

I'm happy it's not more serious but frustrated w/ how little I can do to fix it.

[gummybear]

I have a standing Rx for Flexerils because of my back.

Sometimes they affect me more than other times. Most of the time they knock me right out, but sometimes I don't feel a thing. Unless I am completely laid up I reserve them for bedtime because they do make me groggy and loopy. They do help. My problem is a slipped disk so they don't help that, but they prevent all the surrounding muscles from tensing up and allow me to get a good restful sleep.

[sassystace]

In my experience, I could only take them at night, but they helped to relax spasms in my neck and shoulder so it could relax and heal.

[libbygrl109]

It has been hit or miss for me, too. The couple of times I've taken it was for random muscle spasms that caused significant muscle strain. One time it did nothing for the pain or release of muscle tension, the other time it worked. Both times it made me loopy and drowsy.

[Susie]

I have been rx'ed cyclobenzaprine, which I think is generic Flexeril. It makes me pretty drunk and loopy, and screws with my balance some. I only take them at night, and prefer to only take 1/2 a pill (I forget how many mg they are).

[mainewifey]

Flexeril gives me nasty headaches, and doesn't do much else. I know a few people that swear by them for back pain though.

[cinco]

I had a neck strain in the Fall and took Flexeril. I only took it one night, but I think it helped. I also upped my dose of Ibuprofen per the Dr. I was pretty lucky, although at the time I just thought it hurt like hell. I hope you feel better soon.

[jene]

H has been on muscle relaxers for his back, they used to knock him out, so he would take them right before bed

[thom]

Thanks everyone; I really appreciate you sharing your experience & good thoughts!

cinco - my doc also said I could up the Ibuprofren or Aleve as needed. I'm
Normally an Ibuprofren girl, so I guess I'll try a little more and see.

[gummybear]

Def up your dose of IB. "They" say to only take 2 at a time BUT the truth is, to get the anti-inflammatory effects you truly need, you have to take 3 or 4 at a time. Otherwise it is useless for that type of pain.

[mainewifey]

Mar 19, 2014 13:26:56 GMT -5 gummybear said:

Def up your dose of IB. "They" say to only take 2 at a time BUT the truth is, to get the anti-inflammatory effects you truly need, you have to take 3 or 4 at a time. Otherwise it is useless for that type of pain.

This exactly. H's doctor recommended that he take two Aleve at the same time, regardless of the instructions on the bottle. 

[boston340]

Mar 19, 2014 12:31:35 GMT -5 gummybear said:

I have a standing Rx for Flexeril because of my back.

Sometimes they affect me more than other times. Most of the time they knock me right out, but sometimes I don't feel a thing. Unless I am completely laid up I reserve them for bedtime because they do make me groggy and loopy. They do help. My problem is a slipped disk so they don't help that, but they prevent all the surrounding muscles from tensing up and allow me to get a good restful sleep.

My experience is the exact same and I also have a standing prescription for it.  I use them for muscle spasms in my neck.  I take 2-3 on average per month when I need it.

[enfuego23]

I also have a standing Rx for Flexiril for my neck and jaw. I grind my teeth like crazy so I take it at night. It does make me sleepy.

[thom]

Mar 19, 2014 13:26:56 GMT -5 gummybear said:

Def up your dose of IB. "They" say to only take 2 at a time BUT the truth is, to get the anti-inflammatory effects you truly need, you have to take 3 or 4 at a time. Otherwise it is useless for that type of pain.

Good to know. I've been doing 3 & it does seems to be helping. (At least now I'm not afraid it's actually my appendix or gallbladder or something ...)

Thanks again ladies. I hate to be whining on here so much, but it really helps to hear others experiences. Sorry so many of you are dealing w/ these pain issues too !

[runblondie26]

Sorry thom Only thing worse than an injury, is a "mystery" injury. I hope you feel better soon.