Muscle relaxants are drugs commonly prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms and pain. They are very effective but can also cause unwanted side effects. Understanding and managing these side effects is paramount to using muscle relaxers safely and effectively.
Key Points
- Muscle relaxants ease muscle spasms and pain by affecting the central nervous system but may cause unwanted side effects.
- Common muscle relaxer types include benzodiazepines, antispasmodics, and antidepressants, each with different mechanisms and uses.
- Side effects of muscle relaxers can include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision, which can affect daily activities.
- Serious side effects like confusion or respiratory depression can occur, especially with long-term use or high dosages, though they are rare.
- To manage side effects, stay hydrated, avoid risky activities, adjust medication schedules, and communicate any concerns with your doctor.
- Muscle relaxers have addiction risks, particularly benzodiazepines, due to their sedative effects and potential for dependence and abuse.
- Mixing muscle relaxers with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants can dangerously enhance sedative effects and increase overdose risks.
How Muscle Relaxers Work
Muscle relaxers work on the central nervous system or the muscle cells.[1] They reduce the signals from your brain to your muscles or directly act on muscle cells. The result is the relaxing and loosening of the affected muscle groups. Muscle relaxers are commonly prescribed to relieve conditions like back pain, neck pain, muscle injuries, and neurological disorders that cause muscle cramping.
Types of Muscle Relaxers
There are a few different types of muscle relaxers that your doctor may prescribe to you. The most common categories include:[2]
- Benzodiazepines: Drugs like diazepam (or Valium) and carisoprodol (or Soma) work by enhancing the effects of GABA in your brain to induce muscle relaxation. These muscle relaxers tend to have a higher potential for dependence and abuse.
- Centrally acting muscle relaxants: Some commonly prescribed muscle relaxers include cyclobenzaprine (or Flexeril) and tizanidine (or Zanaflex), which directly target the central nervous system and block the signals that cause muscle spasms.
- Antispasmodic agents: Drugs like baclofen and dantrolene work by interrupting the neuromuscular transmission process. They are frequently used for conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries.
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants like cyclobenzaprine and orphenadrine can have mild muscle relaxant properties. It should be noted, however, that muscle relaxation is not the primary intended use for these drugs.
Depending on your condition, your doctor will evaluate the potential benefits and risks of each type of muscle relaxer and prescribe the best option for you.
Common Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers
It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects that can occur when you’re taking muscle relaxants. Some of the common side effects you may experience are:[3]
- Drowsiness: Muscle relaxants have a soothing effect that can make you feel very tired, especially when you start taking the medication. This can impair your ability to drive or safely perform various tasks.
- Dizziness: The central nervous system effects of muscle relaxants can disrupt your balance and coordination. This may increase your risk of falls or accidents.
- Dry mouth: Many muscle relaxants can cause your mouth and throat to feel dry and uncomfortable.
- Constipation: These drugs can slow down your digestive system. This can lead to difficulty with bowel movements.
- Blurred vision: Some muscle relaxants may temporarily affect your eyesight.
More serious side effects like confusion, hallucinations, or even respiratory depression may occur, particularly with long-term use or higher dosages. This, however, is rare, though you should always be monitoring yourself for any unusual feelings while taking muscle relaxers or any medication.
How to Manage Muscle Relaxers Side Effects
Here are a few things you can do to help alleviate the potential side effects of muscle relaxers:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This can help alleviate issues like dry mouth and constipation.[4]
- Be cautious with activities: Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in any tasks that require coordination and focus until you can see how the muscle relaxer you’ve been prescribed tends to affect you.
- Adjust your schedule: Take your muscle relaxers at the same time each day (preferably near bedtime) to minimize daytime drowsiness.[5]
- Communicate with your doctor: Report any concerning side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.[6]
- Gradually taper off: If discontinuing muscle relaxers, do so slowly under your doctor’s guidance to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Get the Help You Need
Struggling with substance abuse, particularly with highly addictive prescription drugs like muscle relaxers, is a common challenge. You don’t have to confront this struggle by yourself. Many treatment centers can provide the support you need to overcome addiction and reclaim a fulfilling life. Seek the assistance you need without delay.