Serious Side Effects Of Muscle Relaxers

Depression

Any muscle relaxant individuals take will have some side effects, especially if it acts on the central nervous system. Depression is a common side effect of muscle relaxers. The symptoms will typically go away once patients stop taking the relaxer or lower their dose. Many muscle relaxers work by inhibiting the central nervous system function. This helps relieve the pain from muscle spasms and spasticity by keeping individuals from feeling it as fully. However, it can also cause their emotions to feel blunted and thoughts to feel sluggish and slow.

Clinical depression occurs when individuals feel intensely sad or empty in ways that interfere in day-to-day life. These feelings must continue for at least two weeks for patients to receive an official diagnosis of major depression. Many patients with clinical depression feel worthless, helpless, and hopeless. They may lose interest in their plans for the future, stop connecting with their friends and family, and struggle to enjoy activities that previously brought them pleasure. If someone is feeling depressed, they should talk to a doctor.

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Reduced Blood Pressure

Depending on the drug and the way it works within the body, individuals may experience reduced blood pressure due to muscle relaxants. This is not always a bad thing, especially if patients have slightly elevated blood pressure. However, if they already take medication to lower their blood pressure, it may interact with the relaxant and cause their blood pressure to become too low. Low blood pressure is defined as any reading lower than 90/60, but the ideal blood pressure is 120/80.

When blood pressure is low on a long-term basis, it is usually not a cause for concern, as naturally low blood pressure does not tend to cause symptoms. However, when an individual's blood pressure drops suddenly, it can cause their brain to be deprived of oxygen because it is not getting adequate blood supply. A sudden blood pressure drop happens most often when individuals get up from a seated position or sit up after laying down. When this happens, individuals might suddenly feel dizzy and faint. Some also experience low blood pressure if they stand for long periods.

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