Muscle Relaxers

Overview

Muscle relaxers, also known as muscle relaxants, are prescription medications that affect muscle function. They are prescribed by doctors to alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasms, spasticity, and musculoskeletal pain.

The term “muscle relaxant” covers two main categories of drugs: antispastics and antispasmodics. These categories differ in their uses, mechanisms of action, and potential side effects.

This discussion focuses on skeletal muscle relaxants, which are distinct from medications that target smooth muscles. Skeletal muscles are responsible for voluntary movement, while smooth muscles, found in organs like the intestines, stomach, and blood vessels, operate involuntarily. Medications designed for smooth muscle spasms exist separately.

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, can also provide relief for muscle-related issues such as soreness.

Types of muscle relaxers

Currently, doctors are authorized to prescribe the following antispasmodic skeletal muscle relaxants:

• Metaxalone
• Carisoprodol
• Orphenadrine
• Chlorzoxazone
• Methocarbamol
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Baclofen
• Dantrolene

There are two skeletal muscle relaxants that are antispasmodic and antispastic. Among them are:

• Diazepam
• Tizanidine

Reasons for taking the medications

While both antispasmodics and antispastics are skeletal muscle relaxants, their applications are distinct and particular. Moreover, a few of these drugs address ailments unrelated to muscular function. For instance, doctors occasionally recommend diazepam to treat seizures and anxiety.

Antispastic medication uses

Doctors primarily prescribe antispastic muscle relaxers to manage spasticity.

Spasticity is a condition where muscle movement patterns are disrupted, causing certain muscles to contract simultaneously, either during movement or at rest. This is typically due to damage to the nerve pathways in the brain or spinal cord that regulate movement and stretch reflexes.

Spasticity can result from various conditions, including:

• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Brain or head damage
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Spinal cord injury
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease

When it comes to treating spasticity, especially in individuals with spinal cord injuries, baclofen is thought to be the best option.

Antispasmodic medication uses

Doctors primarily prescribe antispasmodic skeletal muscle relaxants for musculoskeletal and myofascial pain, particularly lower back pain, and muscle spasms.

However, these medications are not the first choice for treating pain or spasms. They are considered an alternative therapy when first- or second-line treatments have been ineffective. This is due to the potential adverse side effects of antispasmodics, including the risk of addiction for certain types.

Risks

Each prescription muscle relaxer can have distinct potential side effects. It’s crucial to discuss the possible side effects of the specific medication you’re using or considering with your doctor or pharmacist. Generally, common side effects of muscle relaxants include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Grogginess
• Exhaustion

Muscle relaxers can lead to serious side effects such as fainting and blurred vision. If you experience any troubling side effects, it’s crucial to consult your doctor promptly.

Due to their impact on the central nervous system, these medications can also cause drowsiness. It’s important to exercise caution when operating heavy machinery, driving, or making important decisions while using them.

Carisoprodol and diazepam are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms if dependence develops and you suddenly stop taking them. Avoid these medications if you have a personal or family history of substance use disorder. If you suspect dependence on carisoprodol or diazepam, or if your symptoms are not adequately managed at your prescribed dosage, it’s essential not to exceed the recommended amount and to contact your doctor immediately.

Other prescription muscle relaxants do not fall under controlled substances. One of the primary concerns associated with muscle relaxers includes the risk of overdose and dangerous interactions with alcohol.

During the treatment

Various types and brands of skeletal muscle relaxants operate differently to influence muscle function. Most muscle relaxants function as central nervous system depressants, creating a sedative effect or blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.

Typically, antispastic medications target the spinal cord or skeletal muscles directly to alleviate muscle tightness (hypertonicity) and involuntary spasms.

Antispasmodics work by altering the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to reduce muscle spasms.

Muscle relaxants are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, solutions, or injections, depending on the specific type.

Your doctor or pharmacist will provide detailed instructions on how to use the medication. It is essential to follow their guidance.

Alcohol and muscle relaxers

If you are taking a prescription muscle relaxer, avoid consuming alcohol. Both alcohol and muscle relaxers are central nervous system depressants, meaning they slow down its activity. When combined, their side effects can intensify significantly, posing serious risks.

This combination can lead to symptoms such as:

• Extreme vertigo.
• Extreme somnolence.
• Hazed vision.
• A low pulse rate.
• Passing out.
• Issues with memory.
• Damage to the liver.
• A higher chance of overdosing
• Overdosage on muscle relaxers

Muscle relaxers, particularly carisoprodol and diazepam, carry a risk of misuse and addiction. Prolonged use can result in increased tolerance and physical dependence.

Since most muscle relaxers have sedative effects, some individuals misuse them, either alone or combined with other drugs, to experience or enhance feelings of euphoria and dissociation.

Misusing muscle relaxers raises the risk of overdose, which can lead to:

• Difficulty of breathing
• Modifications in awareness
• Cardiac arrest
• Delusions
• Convulsions
• Coma
• Death

If you believe that you or a loved one has overdosed, get medical help right once.

After taking the treatment

When using a muscle relaxant, it’s important to maintain regular check-ups with your doctor to assess the medication’s effectiveness for your condition.

Additionally, you should consult your doctor in the following situations:

• If you experience unpleasant side effects.
• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• If you suspect you are developing dependence on the medication.