Do muscle relaxants take awhile to work? Or are they immediately effective?

Question

I have a muscle spasm/tendinitis in my shoulder and neck. I was prescribed a high dosage of muscle relaxants but they don't make me feel any different. (I have been taking them for 1 day) I am still in pain with a lot of stiffness. Do they take awhile to work? Anyone have experience with them?

Answer 1

Most muscle relaxers take between 30 minutes to an hour to take effect. Sounds like you may need something a little stronger. Try getting someone to massage your shoulders and neck, too. Also, I have found that those ThermaCare heat wraps work wonders. Heat usually helps muscle aches.

Answer 2

Some muscle relaxers work quickly, within 45-60 minutes. Some have to build in your system to be effective. I believe that after 24-36 hours if you do not have relief from the muscle spasm, call your doctor. With tendinitis, you should also be taking an anti inflammatory medication, like Motrin. Ask him about this.....Sorry, but tendinitis takes a while to heal, a week or so, rest the shoulder and don't use it if at all possible.

Answer 3

Typically they start to work within 30 minutes after taking it. If you aren't getting any relief you should contact your doctor, maybe he can prescribe something stronger or up the dosage as everyone's tolerance level is different.

Answer 4

They should work within 30 minutes. Any pain type medication doesn't take 24 hours to work. Call your doctor and tell him they are not working. You probably need something different, like a pain medication, i.e. percocet, vicodin.

Answer 5

1

Answer 6

Consult your doctor immediately. No one should live in pain.

Answer 7

Sound arguments here.