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Can you take a muscle relaxer with ibuprofen?

Some healthcare providers may recommend combining a muscle relaxer and ibuprofen to alleviate moderate to severe pain
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Mar. 18, 2024
Twho side by side medication tablets: : Can you take ibuprofen with muscle relaxers

Key takeaways

  • Muscle relaxers target muscle spasms, while ibuprofen broadly addresses inflammation and pain.

  • Combining muscle relaxers with ibuprofen may not offer more relief than ibuprofen or a muscle relaxer alone and could increase side effects.

  • Research on combining ibuprofen with muscle relaxers shows mixed results.

  • Consult a healthcare provider when considering using both medications due to potential drug interactions and health risks.

In this article:

It can feel frustrating to experience lower back or neck pain that’s particularly uncomfortable or constant. For many people who experience pain or muscle spasms, pain medication can often be a godsend. You may have been recommended an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine like ibuprofen. However, if you still experience pain, your healthcare provider might recommend something stronger, like a muscle relaxer. But can you take both?

Whether you’re prescribed a prescription muscle relaxer and ibuprofen together will depend on your doctor or healthcare provider’s judgment and the severity or type of pain you experience. Some medical doctors may recommend both medications for particularly severe or uncomfortable pain. However, some evidence shows that adding a muscle relaxer to an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen may not improve pain any more than taking ibuprofen alone. The combination might increase the risk of side effects and outweigh the potential benefits. 

Read on to learn whether taking a muscle relaxer and ibuprofen is safe and effective. 

Main differences between muscle relaxers and ibuprofen for pain relief

Muscle relaxers, or skeletal muscle relaxants, are a class of medications often prescribed to manage conditions associated with acute muscle pain. They mainly target muscle spasms and slow down nerve signals in the central nervous system (CNS) that are linked to pain. When healthcare providers prescribe muscle relaxers, they aim to decrease muscle tension and alleviate the pain associated with muscle spasms. 

Examples of muscle relaxers include:

  • Robaxin (methocarbamol) 
  • Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) 
  • Soma (carisoprodol) 
  • Skelaxin (metaxalone) 
  • Zanaflex (tizanidine) 

On the other hand, ibuprofen falls under the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It’s a common medication to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. Unlike muscle relaxants that act on the nervous system, ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body responsible for pain and inflammation. Therefore, it can be effective for various pain types, not just muscle pain.

Here are some key points to differentiate the two:

  • Mechanism of action: Muscle relaxers work by causing sedation or blocking pain sensations in the nervous system. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Conditions treated: Muscle relaxers are most effective for muscle spasms and pain. Ibuprofen is broader, addressing pain from inflammation, headaches, and general aches.
  • Side effects: Muscle relaxants can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Ibuprofen is less likely to cause sedative effects, and side effects may include stomach pain, heartburn, and headaches.
  • Prescription status: Most muscle relaxers require a prescription due to their sedative properties, while ibuprofen can be purchased over the counter.

Knowing how each medication works and the conditions it treats can help you work with a healthcare provider to understand your options. When considering their use, especially in combination, you should always consult a healthcare provider to avoid potential drug interactions and side effects.

Can you take muscle relaxers and ibuprofen together?

A combination drug containing methocarbamol and ibuprofen is available in Canada and is called Robax Platinum. There may be similar combination drugs in other countries. However, no such drug is available in the United States. Instead, a healthcare provider might prescribe a muscle relaxer and ibuprofen to be taken separately. 

A healthcare provider will generally look at factors like existing health conditions and potential drug interactions with other prescription medications before recommending a muscle relaxer with ibuprofen. Some people may find greater relief with a combination of drugs than with one drug alone, but this should only be done with guidance from a healthcare provider.

If you take a muscle relaxer with ibuprofen, you may want to consider the following:

  • Always start at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
  • Communicate with your pharmacist or medical provider regarding the use of these medications.
  • Take note of any unusual side effects or reactions, and seek medical advice immediately if they occur.

Combining muscle relaxers with ibuprofen may offer better relief, but using them safely is essential after getting appropriate medical advice and guidance.

What’s the evidence behind taking ibuprofen and muscle relaxers together?

Researchers have conducted randomized trials to assess whether this combination offers additional pain relief over ibuprofen alone. One study evaluated whether combining chlorzoxazone with ibuprofen was more effective for treating acute low back pain than alone. The results showed that the combination therapy significantly reduced pain and was well-tolerated. However, other studies have shown different results. 

One double-blind study involving patients with acute myofascial strain showed that adding the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine to ibuprofen did not result in improved pain relief. Instead, adding cyclobenzaprine to ibuprofen was linked to more side effects, specifically those affecting the central nervous system, such as drowsiness and dizziness. 

Another study involving 320 patients showed that combining a muscle relaxant with ibuprofen does not significantly improve back pain compared to using ibuprofen alone. After one week, people’s pain levels dropped slightly, whether they took the combination or just ibuprofen, but there was no major difference between the groups.

What are the dangers of taking a muscle relaxer and ibuprofen at the same time?

Combining muscle relaxers with ibuprofen may increase the risk of side effects. The sedative effects of muscle relaxers can lead to drowsiness and dizziness. Although these side effects may occur while taking ibuprofen, their risk may be increased when taking a muscle relaxer with ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen and certain muscle relaxers are metabolized or processed in the liver. People with liver disease or liver damage may not be able to process these drugs well, which may lead to increased side effects of both drugs and a higher risk for liver problems.

Certain muscle relaxers, such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, and tizanidine, may carry a risk of a fast heart rate or other heart problems. In addition, ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs, is also known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with heart disease. People with high blood pressure or heart-related medical conditions may be at an increased risk of heart problems when combining muscle relaxers with ibuprofen. 

Overall, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and consult a healthcare professional before combining muscle relaxers with ibuprofen, especially if pre-existing health concerns exist.

How long after taking ibuprofen can I take a muscle relaxer?

It may be safe to take both drugs on the same day. Some healthcare providers may recommend splitting up the scheduled doses of each drug by a few hours, while others might recommend taking them both simultaneously.

Ibuprofen and muscle relaxers are usually taken in multiple doses throughout the day. If you experience particularly extreme dizziness or drowsiness while taking ibuprofen and a muscle relaxer together, your healthcare provider might recommend staggering the doses. In other words, take a dose of ibuprofen and then take a dose of the muscle relaxer a few hours later, for example. 

Keep in mind that ibuprofen and muscle relaxers are typically recommended for the short-term treatment of pain. More severe pain may require a different treatment plan with other strategies to alleviate pain.

What medications should not be taken with muscle relaxers?

When taking muscle relaxers, you should be aware of potential drug interactions. Muscle relaxers can interact with various prescription drugs and OTC medicines, potentially causing adverse effects. People should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining muscle relaxers with other medications, especially if they have any medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease.

Use caution when mixing muscle relaxers with other substances that affect the central nervous system. These include:

These medications can amplify the sedative effects of muscle relaxers, potentially leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. Seek medical advice before taking different medications or over-the-counter medicines with muscle relaxers. These are not the only medications that can interact with muscle relaxers; medication interactions can differ depending on the specific muscle relaxer.

Takeaway

Some healthcare providers may recommend combining a muscle relaxer and ibuprofen to alleviate moderate to severe pain. However, studies suggest that combining the two is only as effective as just using one or the other and may increase the risk of side effects. Consult a healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks of combining a muscle relaxer and ibuprofen. Serious side effects outweigh any potential increase in pain relief.