Soma Constipation- Do Muscle Relaxers Cause Constipation?

 

Do muscle relaxers cause constipation is a quotidian question by avid muscle relaxers users. Even though constipation is not associated with chronic health issues, it may develop hemorrhoids and bowel incontinence in the long run. 

Approximately 2 million Americans use muscle relaxers, and about 872202 Carisoprodol prescriptions were given in 2019, making most people wonder, “Does soma cause constipation?” [1,2] This comprehensive blog overviews if and how muscle relaxers cause constipation and evaluate the possibility of experiencing Soma constipation. 

 

Can Muscle Relaxers Cause Constipation- An Overview 

A definitive answer to if muscle relaxers cause constipation can be challenging. It is not a prevalent adverse effect of muscle relaxers and may or may not occur after its administration. Muscle relaxers such as Flexeril and Soma pill may cause constipation; in comparison, Robaxin is reported to cause stomach upset and diarrhea.  

Smooth muscle relaxers are often prescribed to treat intestinal cramping, bouts of diarrhea, and abdominal pain associated with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [3]. They act by directly affecting the intestinal smooth muscle, helping achieve relief from stomach discomfort. Thus, people with compromised metabolism or gastrointestinal diseases should not purchase soma online with no prior prescription. 

 

Does Soma Cause Constipation?

Soma constipation is not one of its eminent adverse effects. Reputable and trusted websites list severe constipation and stomach cramp with the Soma pill, whereas others indicate the possibility of diarrhea from Carisoprodol use. [4,5]

Anecdotal experiences report cases of both constipation and diarrhea from Soma administration. So, let us have an overview of how does Soma cause constipation. 

The Soma pill is formulated with numerous compound which reacts differently in the body. The factors that contribute to Soma constipation or diarrhea are listed below. 

 

Due To Aspirin-  A study evaluating the potential risk factors for chronic constipation identifies its association with aspirin, an active compound, and Carisoprodol while formulating the Soma pill [6]. Thus, Soma constipation may occur in a few users. 

 

The Anticholinergic Activity Of Carisoprodol- Carisoprodol, the active compound of the Soma pill, has a weak anticholinergic property [7]. These relax the smooth muscle in the gut and blood vessels resulting in constipation [8]. 

 

Magnesium Stearate- It is an inactive compound present in the formulation of the Soma pill. The presence of the compound in excessive amounts can act as a laxative and also affect the mucus lining of the bowel resulting in diarrhea. 

 

High Levels Of Serotonin- A study indicates an elevated level of serotonin in the central nervous system resulting from Carisoprodol intoxication. Such high serotonin levels can result in nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. [9,5] 

 

Muscle Relaxers And Constipation

Muscle relaxer constipation is not a generalized adverse effect and may not occur in everyone. Each muscle relaxer is formulated differently with dissimilar bioavailability (It is the drug's ability to be absorbed) in the human body. Since we have already evaluated the possibility of Soma constipation, we here list the possibility of muscle relaxer constipation of Flexeril and Robaxin. 

Can Flexeril Cause Constipation?

Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) is structurally and pharmacologically related to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). They affect the central nervous system and have an anticholinergic property causing constipation, dry mouth, and urinary retention [10]. 

Does Robaxin Cause Constipation? 

Methocarbamol, the active compound of Robaxin, is stated to cause bloating and constipation in a few users and websites. In contrast, others report the muscle relaxer to be not associated with either diarrhea or constipation [11,12]. 

 

How To Identify Constipation Caused By Muscle Relaxers?

 

 

The following symptoms can identify soma constipation or muscle relaxer constipation-

• Difficult and painful bowel movement after administering the Soma pill. 

• The feeling of unable to clear the entire bowel

• Other Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and bloating. 

Who are at risk?

• Older adults are more prone to experiencing Soma constipation or bowel difficulty from other muscle relaxers. 

• People with weaker metabolism.

 

Do Muscle Relaxers Give You Diarrhea?

Clinical studies suggest the possibility of diarrhea from muscle relaxers. Approximately 1 to 3% of volunteers in a survey of 437 patients treated with Flexeril 10mg reported gastrointestinal issues, including pain, diarrhea, gastritis, and vomiting [4]. 

Another study investigating Carisoprodol withdrawal associated with abrupt discontinuation of the muscle relaxer reports the occurrence of diarrhea along with other symptoms such as headache, stomach cramps, disorientation, and palpitation [13]. Thus, the contingency of getting diarrhea from muscle relaxers cannot be completely established. The chances of getting gastrointestinal issues from your muscle relaxers depend on the medication and its bioavailability.

 

Tips To Improve Muscle Relaxer Constipation

Muscle relaxer constipation is not severe and usually lasts till the analgesic is eliminated from the system. Muscle relaxers such as the Soma pill stays in the system for 24 hours, whereas other muscle such as Robaxin and Flexeril stays in the blood for 2 to 3 days. 

The following tips can help you improve muscle relaxer constipation.

• Staying hydrated is essential.

• Consume food rich in fibers 

• Exercise and stay active 

• Eat food rich in probiotics 

We do not advise using laxative medications as they might possibly interact with muscle relaxers and develop adverse effects. However, you may try natural laxatives such as flax seeds, chia seeds, coconut water, and aloe vera.

 

Muscle Relaxers And Constipation- Our Final Verdict 

Before we conclude, we break down the answer to your question do muscle relaxers cause constipation to help you get a final overview of the subject. 

• The pharmacokinetic properties contributing towards Soma constipation are due to its Anticholinergic Activity and the presence of aspirin in the formulation. In contrast, Magnesium Stearate and a higher level of Serotonin can induce diarrhea in users. 

• The occurrence of constipation due to muscle relaxers is more prevalent among elderly people and individuals with compromised metabolism. 

• The possibility of diarrhea from muscle relaxers cannot be dismissed and is observed to occur in 3% of the population taking a muscle relaxer. 

• Signs of muscle relaxer constipation include painful bowel movements, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of incomplete stool passage. 

• Certain lifestyle moderations such as proper hydration, eating a balanced diet with a higher level of fiber, and probiotics can help improve the condition. 

An overview of the possible muscle relaxer constipation of a few popular analgesics.