Flexeril and Constipation: What Users Say

• Sun...
• February 3, 2013

For Muscle Spasm "I get muscle tightness and spasms often after workouts as a side effect of arthritis in my back & neck (which was diagnosed for me in 2011). Flexeril was prescribed for this problem. It works great, but here is my feedback. First few times I took it, it knocked me out. Had to lay down & sleep. Took a while of taking it in smaller doses, where this effect went away. After 3 weeks of use, I started holding fluids really bad. So I no longer use it daily, only as desperately needed. Also causes constipation, so be prepared to add Fiber to your diet to help with that. When I do take it, I'm able to work out the problem areas in my neck (which bothers me the most) with sports cream rub, while on the Flexeril. I can definitely recommend!"

• ind...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2019

For Muscle Spasm "This medication is bad. I was put on it for knee pain. Caused me extreme constipation and headache. I was taking 20 mg once per day. I am not using it anymore. Since the crackdown on hydrocodone (which I used to have prescribed to me), my doctor prescribed this drug. Never again will I use this medication. Check the side effects before getting it from your pharmacy. Caused me too many stomach issues, both digestive, etc. I am 58 years old."

• LAE...
• October 21, 2016

For Muscle Spasm "5 or 10 mg works for muscle spasms, but dangerous if taken during the daytime. Caused uncontrolled drowsiness, deep sleep, difficulty waking up, constipation, blurred vision, and sudden unbearable headaches, leaving me unable to function. (5 or 10 mg doses had the same effects.) Lost a new job just 2 months after starting due to not realizing it was this medication's side effects of blurred vision, migraines, and exhaustion. I was unable to keep up with the workload and didn't relate it to Flexeril because I had been on it many years ago when I was much younger. I tried to explain to my PCP, but some docs just don't listen. I have since stopped Flexeril, no more headaches!"

• KD7...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

"I didn't experience any relief from the neck strain whatsoever. However, I did end up terribly constipated and required magnesium citrate to get relief. The worst side effect, in my experience, is the depression that slowly creeps in (which makes it feel like it is you, as opposed to being caused by the medication) that reaches a suicidal level in a couple of months. I stopped taking it, and within less than a week, I was absolutely fine. I warn everyone against taking this."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2009

For Muscle Spasm "I noticed severe constipation, dry mouth, and I was very forgetful after taking the medication."