AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question I am currently taking Prozac (60 mg. once a day), Klonopin (twice a day), Zelnorm (twice a day), and albuterol (as needed). I am 19 years old. I recently hurt my back. Is it okay for me to take Flexeril (10 mg)? How about Diclofenac sodium (75mg)? Thanks
Answer Hi,Kristy!
Flexeril is a good muscle relaxant; it can make one really drowsy,though, especially if you are taking Klonopin. If your doctor has prescribed it for you, he probably has told you to take it at bedtime. From personal experience, I took one tablet for a frozen shoulder some yrs ago,and it made me so drowsy I was dysfunctional. All I could manage was lying on the couch and napping all day!
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal antiinflammatory agent in the same drug class as ibuprofen(Motrin,Advil). It is very effective for back pain. It should not cause drowsiness, but should be taken with food since it is irritating to the stomach. I would check with your doctor to see if he/she wants you to take it if you have irritable bowel syndrome.Hope this helps, Mary
