Ergocalciferol, or vitamin D-2, and cyclobenzaprine, a prescription-only muscle relaxant, are generally safe to take together. There are no documented interactions between the two, and vitamin D may help those with chronic muscle pain. Tell your prescribing physician about the vitamins and supplements you take, including vitamin D-2, before taking cyclobenzaprine.
Vitamin D-2
Vitamin D-2 is a vegan form of vitamin D derived from plant sources. Vitamin D is crucial to bone health and may protect against certain types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure and other conditions. The Recommended Daily Allowance for vitamin D is 600 International Units per day, and 800 IU per day for those over the age of 71.
Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that your doctor may prescribe to treat muscle pain or injury. It's taken for short periods, usually less than three weeks. This medication has significant side effects, including sleepiness, decreased reaction time and impaired thought processes. Be cautious about driving while taking it. Taking cyclopbenzaprine at the same time as MAO inhibitors is dangerous. You must also avoid alcohol, pain medications, cold and allergy medicine and sleeping pills while on this medication. Because cyclopbenzaprine interacts with many prescription and over-the-counter drugs, give your doctor a full list of the medications and supplements that you take.
Vitamin D and Muscle Pain
If you're taking cyclobenzaprine to treat muscle pain, vitamin D supplements may be a useful accompaniment. A study published in the journal "Pain Medicine" in 2008 noted that patients with chronic muscular pain often had low blood levels of vitamin D. The researchers hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in causing chronic pain and that supplementation could help sufferers. Vitamin D deficiency is common; ask your doctor if you need supplemental vitamin D.
Considerations
Do not take large doses of vitamin D unless your doctor prescribes them, because vitamin D can accumulate in the body to toxic levels. The Institute of Medicine has set the upper intake levels of vitamin D to 4,000 IU per day and 3,000 IU per day for children younger than 9. Vitamin D supplements at RDA levels are well tolerated and safe. If you prefer not to take supplements, you can get vitamin D by drinking fortified milk, eating salmon, tuna and mackerel, and spending time in the sun.
References
- Drugs.com: Drug Interactions Between Cyclobenzaprine and Vitamin D2
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin D
- Drugs.com: Cyclobenzaprine
- Pain Medicine: Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Vitamin D Inadequacy Among Patients With Chronic Pain
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin D Deficiency Common but Easily Treated with Supplements
- Drugs.com: Cyclobenzaprine Prescribing Information
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