Question:
Has anyone taken Skelaxin, or celebrex?

I straine a muscle in my back and am in a lot of pain, my regular doctor prescribed Skelaxin and Celebrex, but doesn't know if it will bother my stomach or if I can absorb. i have a call into my surgeon but it takes days sometimes to hear from them and with it being the weekend, i was wondering if anyone has taken these and what the results were, I don't want to spend the whole week end in pain but don't want to take something I shouldn't either.    — leeann N. (posted on November 8, 2002)

November 7, 2002
Celebrex is a Cox-2 Inhibitor, as is Vioxx. Both these drugs and all the NASAIDS are not good for us as they can cause ulcers and stomach bleeding. I have severe arthritis in my knees and need to take an anti-inflammatory drug. I injured one of my knees in the hospital after surgery and after I was discharged it got to the point that I could hardly get around at all. My surgeon called in Celebrex for me - but for 8 days only. I still have to take it occasionally but he only lets me take if for 5 days then 5 days off. I don't take it nearly that much. In fact, my last prescription was filled in June for 30 pills and I still have 15 of them.
   — Patty_Butler

November 7, 2002
I take two a day. One in AM and one in PM. Never had any problems (so far). 2 1/2 years post op
   — Mary G.

November 8, 2002
I also have severe arthritis in my shoulder, my doc also gave me Celebrex, I called my surgeon when I could not take the pain anymore, he said He dont really want me to take it, BUT if I need to go ahead
   — Schatzie1

November 8, 2002
HI....I take VIOXX, one a day (i think its just like celebrex) I've been taking it for over a year now because I have horrible arthritis in my right ankle. It helps alot, and I havnt had any problems because of it. Im only 25, so who knows if it will affect me in the long run, but for now it really serves its purpose.
   — Karen W.

November 8, 2002
Hi, I was told that we can not take any nsaid or any type whatso ever of inflammitory medication. It can cause stomach bleeding and also ulcers just as another post said. I would recommend not takeing them or try to find a strong tylenol product if it would help. Or any type of acetaminophen products. Im not sure what all products have the ace in them but you could ask your doctor or your surgeon. Hope this helps. Good luck
   — Starla W.

November 8, 2002
I take skelaxin for problems with a leg but I don't take Celebrex or Vioxx due to high blood pressure that hasn't gone down yet after my surgery. I've had no problems with Skelaxin.
   — Cathy S.

November 8, 2002
My surgeon has said that I could take Celebrex for my arthritic knees if I needed to, but to take it with Maalox or Mylanta to coat the stomach. At this point, I am just taking Ascriptin (aspirin buffered with Maalox) which is over-the-counter medicine that my surgeon said to try first...JR
   — John Rushton

November 8, 2002
I'm currently taking skelaxin for muscle spasms, and it won't hurt your stomach. I'm also taking Vioxx, and was told by my surgeon that it was okay to use, especially since I'm 7 months post op. I think Celebrex is in the same category as Vioxx and is supposed to not be as hard on your stomach.
   — Christine L.