Muscle Relaxers and GERD?

[4info]

Hello! My question is pertaining to the effects of muscle relaxers on GERD. I been taking flexeril for years because of  muscle pain due to Lupus and for the last 2 months have been being treated for severe indigestion as a side effect of the med Verapimil. I was wondering if the flexeril could relax the sphincter muscle that is involved in GERD? Please give me any ideas or info you might have regarding if the flexeril would be contraindicated due to the GERD situation?  Thanks, God bless!

[CalGal]

Flexeril can cause stomach pain and nausea so it that is what you are experiencing, you may want to take another look at the medication.

[GhostOf1901]

Never heard about that association directly, BUT muscle relaxants are narcotics and as such slow digestion. A slower digestion may mean more pressure on the LES due to (a) large meals, and/or (b) pressure on the abdomen (due to exertion, belly fat, or both), which would, over time, weaken it.

You may do well simply to follow a GERD diet (especially the part about "smaller, more frequent meals"). You might also want to avoid eating fatty foods, as these both slow digestion and cause increased acid in the stomach.