The alternatives | Muscle relaxants

The alternatives

It is not always necessary to take medication for tense muscles. It should first be clarified whether the pain is a harmless tension or the symptom of a serious illness. Especially regularly occurring or unusual, severe pain can be a symptom of a dangerous disease.

In case of doubt, a doctor should be consolidated. If it is certain that the tension is harmless, there are a variety of possible therapies. These include, above all, various massages, heat or even movement. Above all, as a preventive measure, sufficient sporting exercise and avoiding one-sided strain are crucial. Peripheral muscle relaxants, such as those used in surgery, are indispensable, so that there are hardly any alternatives.

Muscle relaxants and alcohol – is it compatible?

Alcohol can influence the effect and metabolism of drugs in many ways. Muscle relaxants are also affected. Particular caution is advised with centrally acting muscle relaxants such as benzodiazepines or methocarbamol.

Benzodiazepines in particular can have strong interactions with alcohol. The combination is life-threatening. Alcohol can also interfere with the breakdown of muscle relaxants. A combination of alcohol with muscle relaxants is therefore generally not recommended.

Is it possible to take it during pregnancy and lactation?

For most muscle relaxants, the recommendation is to avoid taking them during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Benzodiazepines can harm the unborn child and should therefore never be taken during pregnancy. It is also not recommended to take methocarbamol or tizanidine. If in doubt, consult the package leaflet. A doctor or pharmacist should also be consulted.

The effectiveness of the pill

Muscle relaxants can affect the effectiveness of the pill. Benzodiazepines in particular affect the liver, so that other drugs, such as the pill, are broken down more quickly. The situation is different with tizanidine.

Here the use of certain contraceptives inhibits the breakdown of the active substance tizanidine. This means that if Tizanidin and the pill are taken at the same time, the effect of Tizanidin can be increased. This can lead to an increased occurrence of undesirable effects.