Can i take muscle relaxers before surgery?
Picture this: you’re about to undergo surgery, and the thought of being sliced open like a piñata gives you the heebie-jeebies. Your friend recommends taking muscle relaxers beforehand to help ease your nerves (and yes, that’s exactly what they are – trust me on this one). But can you actually do that? Or is it just another internet hoax? Let’s find out.
What Are Muscle Relaxants?
Before we dive deep into whether or not muscle relaxants should have a place in your pre-surgery routine, let’s first define them. Put simply, these medications work by relaxing the muscles and reducing any associated pain or discomfort. In other words – peace out Charlie horse! There are two main types of muscle relaxants available – spasmolytics (which alleviate spasms) and neuromuscular blockers (which paralyze muscles).
The Controversy
And now for the moment you’ve been waiting for (drumroll please) – can these babies be taken before going under the knife? It might sound like an attractive option given their relaxing effects , but unfortunately there’s no clear answer as to if it is safe or not.
The issue comes down to the fact that muscle relaxants will affect our respiratory and cardiovascular systems which are key during major operations with restrictions varying greatly depending on many factors such as; The type of anesthesia provided, age co morbidity present etcetera etcetera..
“But wait!” You may ask “if my doctor prescribes them will they be able ti give head off any risks?” As mentioned earlier there isn’t really enough studies at this stage specifically investigating surgery safety when combined with a heavy dose of muscle-relaxant . Although some anecdotal theories exist saying combining two could lead into negative reactions On top which poses a real concern for surgeons, physicians and the recipients alike.
The Advantages
Of course, despite their risks, muscle relaxers have a lot of benefits that may or may not outweigh any negatives which is why sometimes they are prescribed prior to surgery. Here’s some reasons why you might be inclined to take them.
Reduced Muscle Spasms
Spasms can cause pain, discomfort ,hard time during therapy sessions & sleep disturbances . By taking muscle relaxants beforehand,some people find it reduces their spasms and subsequent pain level allowing for a more successful operation in turn leading to better recovery .
Anxiety Relief
As with all medical procedures – getting prepped for an operation can lead to anxiety; nerves from waiting ,the idea of needles poking at us as if we’re part of Voodoo magic act . While liquid courage(wine,champagne or whiskey) isn’t recommended… yet.. Some research shows that taking small amounts of benzodiazepines (not muscle-relaxant friends!), tranquilizers/muscle sedatives before surgery could lower anxiety levels thus improving the overall procedure experience positively impacting recuperation..
The Disadvantages
Just like everything else in this cruel world , there’s bound to be downsides too with taking these types medication before going under anaesthesia. Let’s break those down so you aren’t blindsided by possible side effects .
Respiratory Complications
As mentioned earlier respiratory complications area real possibility when using any form of muscle-relaxants. And honestly given how crucial breathing/heartbeat sensory information is important (even more than what colors go well together while sculpting pottery) anything slowing either down should give hairy looks due caution;
Some common symptoms include:
– Shallow breaths: Less oxygen enters body making anesthesia obviously less safe .
– Wheezing:Chest clearing coughs accompany shortness breath.
– Tightening chest muscles: very hard inhale and exhale of air before the operation causing damage to muscles in chest.
Negative Drug Interactions
Another major risk that can come with taking muscle-relaxants prior to surgery (and honestly, any medication ) is negative drug interactions; mixing the intended pills and prescribed medications could cause unexpected complications. It’s one thing if it happens while having drinks at a bar awkward smiling conversation but involving in medical context potentially lethal leaving you wishing your parents named you different .
Conclusion
All this information doesn’t really help answer whether or not you should take muscle relaxants specifically for prepping your body for surgery related adventure..Sorry about that .. even though they boast befits like reduced brain activity , better sleep , lower muscular pain sensation control there uncertainties around their use are somewhat hard to ignore considering most legit hospitals tend avoid giving them before anaesthesia .At the end of day reality is pretty boring but certain things are more important than party on surgeon’s scalpel.Hosting a healthy organ-system dance never loses its cool points!( Except maybe amongst bored surgeons…)