There isn't one single "first choice" muscle relaxer, as the best option depends on the specific muscle issue (spasm vs. spasticity) and the patient's overall health, but cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is very common for acute spasms due to its effectiveness and low cost, while baclofen is a first-line treatment for spasticity (like from spinal cord injury). Other common choices for spasms include less sedating methocarbamol (Robaxin) or metaxalone (Skelaxin), but doctors tailor choices based on side effects (like drowsiness) and patient needs, often combining them with rest and physical therapy.
The most popular muscle relaxers include:
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake.
Side Effects. See also Warning section. Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Baclofen helps your child's muscles to relax, making it easier and less painful for them to move. Baclofen may also help to reduce muscle pain. Children with dystonia can get painful and distressing movements and muscle spasms, causing difficulty with sitting, standing and moving difficult.
Antispasmodic agents: these aim to treat striated muscle spasms from peripheral musculoskeletal conditions like low back pain (3). Cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol are examples (3). Most experts recommend limiting their use to 2-4 weeks because of the associated CNS risks.
Generally, cyclobenzaprine is more effective in treating acute musculoskeletal pain due to an injury in the back or neck. Chronic pain from muscle spasticity related to neurological disease or injury responds best to baclofen.
It's usually well-tolerated, but side effects are possible. Mild side effects typically include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. These side effects can usually be managed at home. More serious methocarbamol side effects include trouble with physical or mental abilities, as well as seizures.
Methocarbamol starts to work in about 30 minutes. You'll know it's working if you feel improvement in your muscle-related symptoms, like muscle pain and discomfort.
Taking this medication with other substances that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids can cause serious side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. They will tell you how much medication to take.
Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablets, USP 10 mg are blue colored, film coated, round shaped, biconvex tablets, debossed with "U" on one side and "12" on other side.
Cyclobenzaprine relieves skeletal muscle spasms of local origin without interfering with muscle function. In preclinical research, cyclobenzaprine reduced skeletal muscle hyperactivity. Research indicates that it primarily acts within the central nervous system in the brain stem.
Muscle relaxers have a potential for misuse and addiction, especially carisoprodol and diazepam. Prolonged use can lead to increased tolerance and physical dependence.
Possible cyclobenzaprine interactions include alcohol, opioids such as tramadol (Conzip, Qdolo), and benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax). It can also interact with medications that increase serotonin levels, including several antidepressants, migraine medications like sumatriptan (Imitrex), and St. John's wort.
Medications to relax tight muscles fall into a variety of drug classes. While tizanidine, baclofen, and metaxalone are classified as muscle relaxants, others can help. Examples include cyclobenzaprine, a tricyclic antidepressant, along with a couple benzodiazepines (clonazepam and alprazolam).
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer used to treat muscle pain and discomfort. It can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which can lead to drug interactions.
Drowsiness, flushing, low blood pressure, dizziness on standing, seizures, rash, blurred vision, and a metallic taste in the mouth are the most common side effects of methocarbamol.
Methocarbamol stays in your system for approximately 5-10 hours. The drug has a half-life of 1-2 hours and typically takes 4-5 half-lives to eliminate completely. Effects last 4-6 hours with peak plasma concentrations reached within 2 hours after ingestion.
Is it safe to take methocarbamol every day? Methocarbamol is generally prescribed for short-term use. Taking it daily as prescribed does not typically increase the risk of addiction but may lead to side effects in some individuals.
Common side effects of methocarbamol include: Slow heart rate (bradycardia) Low blood pressure (hypotension) Inflammation with blood clots in the vein (thrombophlebitis)
Baclofen is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. Baclofen acts on the spinal cord nerves and decreases the number and severity of muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord conditions.
Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, is notorious for inflicting extensive muscle pain and is often accompanied by involuntary, intense muscle tightness known as spasms.
Which muscle relaxer is the strongest? Studies have compared cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, and other skeletal muscle relaxants and found that they are equally effective in treating acute musculoskeletal conditions.