How Muscle Relaxers Affect the Body & Their Potential Risks
In This Article
Key Takeaways
- Muscle relaxers are medications that alleviate muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain
- Muscle relaxers can cause dependency and other serious side effects
- Muscle relaxers can interact with alcohol and other CNS depressants, leading to adverse effects
- You can become addicted to muscle relaxants with long-term use
- If you or someone you know suffers from a muscle relaxant addiction, contact a healthcare professional for help
How Do Muscle Relaxers Work?
Muscle relaxants alleviate pain, muscle tightness, and other symptoms from muscle spasms and rigidness. They work at many levels, primarily affecting the brain and skeletal muscles.
There are two categories of muscle relaxants:
- Antispasmodics: They relieve, prevent, and decrease muscle spasms affecting smooth muscles. These drugs also aid organs in alleviating spasms in the gastrointestinal area.
- Antispastics: They treat and relieve spasticity in skeletal muscles, especially in conditions like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
Muscle tightness happens because of increased nerve signals. Muscle relaxants work by reducing these signals, causing a calming effect.
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What are Muscle Relaxers?
Muscle relaxants treat certain disorders that produce muscle spasms or stiffness. They can also treat acute and, in some cases, chronic pain.
Acute pain is sudden and lasts for a short time. Chronic pain can last up to 6 months or longer. Other uses for muscle relaxants include treating restless leg syndrome and sore muscles.
What are Muscle Spasms?
Muscle spasms or cramps are quick, unexpected muscle contractions. On the other hand, muscle spasticity is a continuous spasm that causes muscle stiffness or tightness.
The most common type of cramp is a skeletal muscle spasm. These spasms are usually abrupt, painful, and short-lived.
Physicians use muscle relaxers or relaxants to treat spasms due to cramps and muscle tightness. They reduce muscle tone, which refers to muscles' inherent tension or resistance to passive stretching while in a state of relaxation.
Neck and Back Pain Treatment
Doctors commonly prescribe muscle relaxers for back pain, especially for neck pain and upper or lower back pain.
While they aren't more effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, physicians recommend them because they help with relaxation and sleep. Always use them alongside rest and physical therapy.
Treatment for Other Disorders
Muscle relaxants may also treat other conditions, including:
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Motor neuron disease (MND)
- Head or spinal cord injuries
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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What are the Treatment Types for Muscle Spasms and Spasticity?
Many classes of medications help with muscle spasms and spasticity. They can include NSAIDs, prescription muscle relaxants, and alternative medicine.
The following is an overview of the most common drugs that relieve muscle spasms:
Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments
Doctors typically prescribe OTC medications first. The following drugs are NSAIDs:
| Generic name | Brand name | Form | Used to treat |
| Acetaminophen | Tylenol, Paracetamol | Tablet, Capsule, Liquid, Injection, Suppository | Minor aches and pains, Fever |
| Ibuprofen | Advil, Motrin | Tablet, Capsule, Liquid, Injection | Pain, Inflammation, Fever |
| Naproxen | Aleve | Tablet, Liquid, Suppository | Acute pain, Inflammation |
Prescription Muscle Relaxants
Doctors prescribe prescription muscle relaxants for severe pain, along with rest and physical therapy. They’re beneficial when you can’t tolerate OTC medications due to certain side effects.
Antispasmodic prescription muscle relaxants, or centrally acting SMRs, include:
| Generic name | Brand name | Form | Used to treat |
| Carisoprodol | Soma | Tablet | Skeletal muscle pain or injury |
| Chlorzoxazone | Parafon Forte, Lorzone | Tablet | Muscle spasms, muscle pain, musculoskeletal conditions |
| Cyclobenzaprine | Fexmid, Flexeril, Amrix | Tablet, Extended-release capsule | Skeletal muscle pain or injury |
| Metaxalone | Skelaxin, Metaxall | Tablet | Skeletal muscle pain or injury |
| Methocarbamol | Robaxin | Tablet | Skeletal muscle pain or injury |
| Orphenadrine | Norflex | Extended-release tablet | Skeletal muscle pain or injury, Parkinson’s Disease |
| Tizanidine | Zanaflex | Tablet, Capsule | Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal cord injury |
Antispastic Prescription Muscle Relaxers
Some types of antispastic prescription muscle relaxers include:
| Generic name | Brand name | Form | Used to treat |
| Baclofen | Lioresal, Gablofen | Tablet, Injection | Multiple Sclerosis |
| Dantrolene | Dantrium | Tablet | Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Strokes, Spinal cord injury |
| Diazepam | Valium | Oral suspension, Tablet, Injection | Inflammation, Muscle trauma, Muscle spasticity |
Off-Label Medications for Spasticity
Doctors can prescribe certain medications for certain conditions, even when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved the drugs for that purpose. This is called off-label drug use.
Some off-label medications aren’t technically muscle relaxants. However, physicians may prescribe them to relieve symptoms of spasticity. These drugs include:
| Generic name | Brand name | Form | Used to treat |
| Clonazepam | Klonopin | Tablet | Seizures, Anxiety, Muscle spasms |
| Lorazepam | Ativan | Tablet, Liquid | Anxiety, IBS, Substance withdrawal |
| Alprazolam | Xanax | Tablet, Liquid | Anxiety, Panic attacks, Muscle spasms |
| Clonidine | Kapvay, Catapres, Jenloga | Tablet | High blood pressure, ADHD, Muscle Spasms, Spasticity |
| Gabapentin | Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant | Tablet, Liquid | Seizures, Nerve pain, Restless leg syndrome |
All-Natural Muscle Relaxers
There’s little to no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these all-natural muscle relaxers. Although the FDA doesn’t approve the medicinal use of these substances, many people believe they are effective for pain relief.
Some popular all-natural muscle relaxers include:
| Generic name | Form | Used to treat |
| Cannabidiol (CBD) | Tinctures and oil, Topical, Capsule | Pain, Dystonia, Insomnia |
| Cherries and blueberries | Fruit, Juice | Muscle pain, Inflammation |
| Cayenne pepper | Food, Capsule, Topical | Fibromyalgia Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Chamomile | Tea, Oil | Muscle spasms, Sore muscles |
What are the Common Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers?
The most common muscle relaxant side effects include:
- Tiredness and drowsiness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Agitation
- Light-headedness
- Headaches
- Forgetfulness
- Muscle weakness (side effect of Diazepam)
- Confusion
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Blurred Vision
- Appetite Changes
- Decreased blood pressure
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
Avoid activities that require mental alertness or coordination when taking these drugs. These include driving and using heavy machinery, which can lead to accidents and injuries while under muscle relaxers.
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Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive?
Muscle relaxants can be habit-forming, and they aren't FDA-approved for long-term use. Safe usage is typically limited to short-term treatments of 2 to 3 weeks.
Extended use can lead to tolerance and dependency. It also causes central nervous system depression, leading to sedation and impaired coordination.
Such effects increase the risk of falls or accidents. Common muscle relaxants, such as Soma and Flexeril, can cause tolerance and dependence when used for extended periods.
Signs You’re Addicted to Muscle Relaxers
These warning signs can help identify whether someone might be abusing muscle relaxers:
- Taking a muscle relaxer when a prescription no longer indicates it
- Requiring more of the drug to feel the same effects
- Faking symptoms to receive more prescription refills
- Changes in physical appearance, hygiene, and behavior suddenly
- Combining a muscle relaxer with other substances to experience a more intense high
- Overdosing
Muscle Relaxant Withdrawal Symptoms
If you suddenly stop using muscle relaxers after long-term use, it can result in withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Malaise
- Discomfort
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
These symptoms usually peak between 2 to 4 days after the last dose. However, they can last for up to 2 weeks.
Overdose Symptoms of Muscle Relaxant Use
Users abuse muscle relaxants for their euphoric and dissociative effects. In 2021, 16,706 Americans lost their lives due to prescription opioid overdoses.1
Muscle relaxant overdose symptoms include:
- Stupor
- Hallucinations
- Shock
- Seizures
- Hyperventilation
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
- Death
How Do You Treat Muscle Relaxant Addiction?
The most common treatment methods for muscle relaxant addiction include:
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Inpatient treatment
- Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)
If you or someone you know suffers from a muscle relaxant addiction, contact a healthcare professional to review your treatment options.
What Causes Muscle Spasticity?
Muscle spasms often originate from damage to an area of the brain or spinal cord that regulates voluntary movement. Conditions that lead to muscle spasticity include:
- Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Brain damage
- Stroke
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS)
- Phenylketonuria
Non-Medical Factors
- Not stretching enough, including before exercise
- Muscle overuse
- Muscle fatigue
- Exercising in the heat
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte depletion, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium
- Involuntary nerve discharges
- Decrease in blood supply
- Stress
Conditions Associated with Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms on their own are symptoms of another underlying condition, including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Kidney disease
- Hormone issues (thyroid disorders)
Side Effects and Signs of Muscle Spasticity
Muscle spasticity adversely affects the joints and extremities, especially in growing children. It can also interfere with everyday activities such as walking, talking, or bending.
Symptoms range from mild limitations to movement to the inability to move affected areas. Another sign includes severe pain during movement.
What are Muscle Relaxant Drug Interactions?
Don’t use muscle relaxants with the following:
- Alcohol
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates)
- Sleeping medications
These interactions can lead to severe side effects, including respiratory depression. Inform your healthcare provider about all your medications before taking muscle relaxants.
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- “Drug Overdose Death Rates.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023.
- Li et al. “Utilization Patterns of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Among Commercially Insured Adults in the United States from 2006 to 2018.” Pain Medicine, 2021.
- Witenko et al. “Considerations For The Appropriate Use Of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants For The Management Of Acute Low Back Pain.” Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 2014.
- Patel et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Combination of NSAIDs and Muscle Relaxants in the Management of Acute Low Back Pain.” Pain and Therapy, 2019.
- Richards et al. “Muscle relaxants for pain management in rheumatoid arthritis.” Research Gate, 2012.
- Austin, D. “Everything to know about muscle relaxers: When to take them and whether they're dangerous.” USA Today, 2023.
- “CARISOPRODOL (Trade Name Soma).” United States Department of Justice, 2019.
- “FLEXERIL® (CYCLOBENZAPRINE HCL) TABLETS.” United States Food and Drug Administration, 2013.
- See et al. “Skeletal Muscle Relaxants.” United States National Library of Medicine, 2008.
- See et al. “Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant.” American Family Physician, 2008.
- Soprano et al. “Assessment of Physician Prescribing of Muscle Relaxants in the United States, 2005-2016.” JAMA Network, 2020.
- “UF Study Finds Some Combinations of Opioids and Muscle Relaxants Are Safe, Others Raise Overdose Risk." University of Florida College of Pharmacy, 2020.
