Pain in the Pregnant and Postpartum Patient

Comparison studies have not shown one skeletal muscle relaxant to be superior to another. Cyclobenzaprine is the most heavily studied and has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions. The sedative properties of tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine may benefit patients with insomnia caused by severe muscle spasms. Methocarbamol and metaxalone are less sedating, although effectiveness evidence is limited. Adverse effects, particularly dizziness and drowsiness, are consistently reported with all skeletal muscle relaxants.

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There is not enough material on the way cyclobenzaprine acts on the brain but it is considered a good prescription choice for serious, painful sprains and strains, or temporary pain around the skeletal muscles. A healthcare provider may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen as a safer alternative to muscle relaxers. Besides these, always take the medicine in recommended dosage to avert the risk of overdosage.

Category B drugs have not been shown to cause teratogenicity or fetal abnormalities in animal studies but often have not been fully evaluated in humans. Category B drugs such as cyclobenzaprine should be given during a pregnancy only when the physician determines that the risks are less than the benefits of the drug’s actions 2. A muscle relaxant, cyclobenzaprine (flexeril) is used to help relieve pain, stiffness, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or injuries in muscles. Cyclobenzaprine is very closely related to the antidepressant amitriptyline and it is used as a skeletal muscle relaxant to reduce pain and tenderness and improve mobility.

It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any preexisting conditions or medications you are currently taking to assess the potential for adverse drug interactions. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain. It has been shown to be effective in managing muscle pain during pregnancy. However, it is important to consult with a qualified acupuncturist who has experience working with pregnant women to ensure the safety of the treatment.

Pain Management: Signs Your Muscle Pain Is Something Else

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Sep 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 28 Aug 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Aug 2023) and others. Pregnant patients may experience illnesses or injuries that require procedural sedation. When managing a pregnant patient who requires procedural sedation, providers must be cognizant of both the physiologic changes that may affect sedation as well as the safety of the medications used.

• Near term, neonatal respiratory depression is the most dangerous consequence of maternal opioid use while in earlier pregnancy, NAS and the development of maternal long term use are the harms of dominating concern.
• Drinking is also discouraged while taking a muscle relaxant and this advice is routinely ignored.
• It’s also important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking Flexeril, as the medication can cause drowsiness and make it harder to concentrate.
• Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication.
• Cyclobenzaprine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. It is not known if cyclobenzaprine crosses the human placenta.

anyone used Flexeril while they were pregnant?

Even if your doctor has recommended it, take the required precautions, such as not taking cyclobenzaprine with cold medications, not handling your infant after taking it, and so on. Alternatively, you can try various home treatments for muscle strains and pains. Muscle relaxers are commonly prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms and pain in pregnant women, but their use during pregnancy comes with potential risks and side effects. On the flip side, some women reported negative experiences with Flexeril while pregnant. One woman mentioned that she took Flexeril for back spasms during her third trimester and her baby was born with respiratory issues. While it is impossible to say for sure whether the medication was the cause of the baby’s respiratory issues, it is still important to report any negative side effects to your healthcare provider.

If you’re considering taking Flexeril during pregnancy, there are a few important things to keep in mind to help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. First and foremost, make sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have about taking the medication. Your doctor can help you determine whether Flexeril is a good option for you and can monitor you and your developing baby for any potential risks or complications.

For example, the peak concentration for the extended-release pills is around seven hours. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride vs flexeril from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.

Our main objective is to spread scientifically backed information to the users visiting our website without promoting a specific brand or product. There are normal and severe side effects that will affect your health if you consume Cyclobenzaprine during pregnancy. If the new mother is required to consume Cyclobenzaprine, she need not discontinue breastfeeding. Research on the exact effects of consuming Cyclobenzaprine during delivery and breastfeeding is on (Burra, B., Datta, P., Rewers-Felkins, K., Baker, T. and Hale, T.W., 2019).