Pregnancy use issues with muscle relaxants

Although formal studies involving pregnant women have not been conducted, skeletal muscle relaxants have not been shown to cause problems for pregnant women or their fetuses. Animal studies also have not indicated a link between skeletal muscle relaxants and birth defects. Nonetheless, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant are advised to consult their physician before taking skeletal muscle relaxants.

Some muscle relaxants have been shown to pass into breast milk and cause symptoms such as drowsiness and upset stomach in nursing babies. As a result, women who are breastfeeding should not use these drugs without first obtaining a physician’s approval.

Child use issues with skeletal muscle relaxants

Studies have not been performed regarding the effect of skeletal muscle relaxants on children. Experts generally recommend that some of these medications not be used in children. Others may be safe and do not appear to cause side effects that are different in children than they are in adults. Parents are advised to consult a physician before allowing their child to use skeletal muscle relaxants.

Elderly use issues with muscle relaxants

Studies have not been performed regarding the effect of skeletal muscle relaxants on the elderly. As a result, experts are not sure if the medications are more or less effective in older adults than they are in younger adults, or if older adults have an increased risk of side effects from skeletal muscular relaxants.

However, some experts warn that skeletal muscle relaxants are more likely to cause some side effects in elderly patients, including blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the body and causing sedation and weakness. Elderly people are advised not to use skeletal muscle relaxants without first consulting a physician.