Drug/other interactions with muscle relaxants

Patients should consult their physicians before taking any additional prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements or herbal medications. Drugs that may interact poorly when taken with skeletal muscle relaxants include:

• Alcohol
  
  
• Central nervous system depressants (e.g., antihistamines, tranquilizers)
  
  
• Tricyclic antidepressants

In general, skeletal muscular relaxants add to the effects of these drugs, which may cause more severe drowsiness and increase the risk of side effects.

Symptoms of skeletal muscle relaxant overdose

Symptoms of overdose can be similar to the medication’s side effects, but are usually more severe. Patients or the loved ones of patients exhibiting any of these symptoms should contact their physician immediately:

• Absence of reflexes
• Coma
• Extreme drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Respiratory problems
• Seizures
• Prolonged or extreme visual disorders