Understanding Muscle Relaxant Side Effects

Muscle relaxants are medications that can help ease muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness. They are often prescribed for people with conditions that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury. However, muscle relaxants also have some potential side effects and risks that you should be aware of before taking them.

In this article, you will learn about:

Table of Contents

Muscle Soreness

Muscle soreness is a common problem that affects many people, especially those who engage in physical activities, have injuries, or suffer from certain medical conditions. Muscle soreness can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, affecting one’s daily functioning and quality of life. To treat muscle soreness, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants along with painkillers. Muscle relaxants are drugs that help relax the muscles and reduce spasms and tension. They can provide relief from muscle soreness and improve mobility and comfort. However, muscle relaxants are not suitable for everyone and should be used with caution. Different types of muscle relaxants have different effects and side effects, and they may interact with other medications or health conditions. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and dosage carefully, and never use someone else’s prescription or share your own with others. Doing so may lead to serious complications or even addiction.

Side Effects of Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants are drugs that reduce muscle tension and spasm, but they also have some potential side effects that users should be aware of. Some of the most common side effects are related to the central nervous system, such as drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and impaired coordination. These effects may interfere with daily activities that require alertness and concentration, such as driving, operating machinery, or performing complex tasks. Therefore, users should avoid or limit the use of alcohol and other substances that can enhance these effects, such as sedatives, antihistamines, opioids, antidepressants, and others. Users should also monitor their response to the medication and adjust their activities accordingly. Elderly users are more susceptible to these effects and should be especially careful to prevent falls and injuries.

Another serious but rare side effect of some muscle relaxants is the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This has been reported with high doses of Baclofen, a drug used to treat muscle spasms caused by spinal cord or brain damage. Users of Baclofen should follow the prescribed dosage and schedule and not stop or change the medication without consulting their doctor. They should also seek immediate medical attention if they experience any signs of depression, mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or abnormal behavior while taking Baclofen.

The following table summarizes the functions and side effects of some common muscle relaxants. Users should read the package insert and consult their doctor or pharmacist for more information about the specific drug they are taking.

Drug Name Function Side Effects
Baclofen Belongs to central muscle relaxants, suitable for muscle spasms caused by spinal cord or brain damage. Fatigue, drowsiness, muscle weakness, dizziness, etc. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use may lead to mental confusion, hallucinations, delirium, restlessness, and even seizures.
Chlorzoxazone Belongs to central muscle relaxants, relieving skeletal muscle spasms and acute muscle pain. Drowsiness, chest discomfort, dizziness, etc. Urine may turn orange after intake.
Tizanidine Belongs to central muscle relaxants, treating pain and spasms caused by neurological disorders. Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure. Caution is advised when used with blood pressure-lowering drugs or drugs inhibiting CYP1A2 enzyme to prevent blood pressure fluctuations.
Mephenoxalone Relaxes muscles, easing most muscle pain and discomfort. Drowsiness, muscle weakness, dry mouth, rash, etc.
Tolperisone Eases muscle spasms and tension caused by conditions like spinal injuries, post-trauma, post-stroke sequelae, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc. Drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, diarrhea, etc.

Types of Muscle Relaxants

There are two main types of muscle relaxants: antispasmodics and antispastics. Antispasmodics are used to treat muscle spasms caused by conditions such as back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, or tension headaches. Antispastics are used to treat muscle spasticity caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.

Type Examples Mechanism of Action Common Side Effects
Antispasmodics Carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, orphenadrine They act on the central nervous system to reduce muscle tone and relieve pain. Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention
Antispastics Baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine, botulinum toxin, dantrolene They act on different targets, such as the spinal cord, the neuromuscular junction, or the muscle fibers, to reduce muscle stiffness and spasm. Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, liver toxicity

According to a recent systematic review, antispasmodics are more effective than placebo for short-term relief of acute low back pain, but their long-term efficacy and safety are unclear. Antispastics have been shown to improve spasticity and functional outcomes in patients with neurological disorders, but they may also cause adverse effects that limit their use. Therefore, muscle relaxants should be used with caution and under medical supervision, and only when other treatments have failed or are contraindicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are muscle relaxants addictive?

Some muscle relaxants, such as carisoprodol and diazepam, have the potential to cause physical and psychological dependence, especially when used for a long time or at high doses. These drugs can also interact with alcohol and other substances, increasing the risk of overdose and death. Therefore, patients who take these muscle relaxants should follow their doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid abusing or misusing them. Other muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine and baclofen, have a lower risk of addiction, but they can still cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Patients who want to stop taking muscle relaxants should consult their doctor and gradually reduce the dose under their guidance.

What are the alternatives to muscle relaxants?

Muscle relaxants are not the only option for treating muscle pain and spasticity. Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, there are other treatments that may be more effective, safer, or cheaper. Some of these alternatives include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can reduce inflammation and pain
  • Acetaminophen, which can relieve mild to moderate pain
  • Physical therapy, which can improve muscle strength, flexibility, and function
  • Massage, acupuncture, or heat therapy, which can relax tense muscles and increase blood flow
  • Exercise, stretching, or yoga, which can prevent muscle stiffness and improve posture
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback, or relaxation techniques, which can help cope with stress and pain

Patients who suffer from muscle pain or spasticity should discuss with their doctor the best treatment plan for their individual needs and preferences. They should also inform their doctor about any other medications or supplements they are taking, as some of them may interact with muscle relaxants or their alternatives.

Reference

  • Abdel Shaheed C, Maher CG, Williams KA, Day R, McLachlan AJ. Efficacy, Tolerability, and Dose-Dependent Effects of Opioid Analgesics for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(7):958-968.
  • Nair KP, Marsden J. The management of spasticity in adults. BMJ. 2014;349:g4737. 
  • Reeves RR, Burke RS. Carisoprodol: update on abuse potential and legal status. South Med J. 2011;104(11):776-780. 
  • Jones JD, Mogali S, Comer SD. Polydrug abuse: a review of opioid and benzodiazepine combination use. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2012;125(1-2):8-18. 
  • Chou R, Peterson K, Helfand M. Comparative efficacy and safety of skeletal muscle relaxants for spasticity and musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2004;28(2):140-175.

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