By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: April 25, 2023

What Are Muscle Relaxers? What Do Muscle Relaxers Do?

Muscle relaxers or muscle relaxants are prescriptions for treating severe muscle pain and discomfort caused by back pains and muscle spasms. A muscle spasm means one or more of your muscles contract, and the cramping or twitching is out of your control. It can occur for several reasons and can sometimes be very painful. Prescription drug muscle relaxer medications can differ in their composition, chemical structures, and how they work in the brain. Each muscle relaxant comes with different risks and benefits.

How Do Muscle Relaxers Make you Feel?

A muscle relaxer tends to make you feel relaxed and reduce muscle tension. Many people experience fatigue or drowsiness due to taking a muscle relaxer. Other common side effects include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.

How Do Muscle Relaxers Make you Feel?

Muscle relaxers typically make you feel relaxed and may reduce muscle tension, stiffness, or spasms. They can also reduce pain and improve coordination and mobility. However, some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating.

How Do Muscle Relaxers Make you Feel in terms of Spasms?

Muscle relaxers can help treat sprains, strains, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions. They are also often used in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs to reduce muscle tension, spasms, and stiffness. Muscle relaxants can be taken by mouth or injection.

The effects may last from a few minutes to several hours. Talking to your doctor before taking any medication is essential, as other medicines or treatments may be more appropriate for your condition.

How Do Muscle Relaxers Make you Feel the Next Day?

A muscle relaxer can make you feel tired or dizzy the next day. After taking a muscle relaxer, you may also experience mild headaches, nausea, or constipation. It is essential to drink plenty of water and rest when taking a muscle relaxer to ward off any side effects.

How Do Muscle Relaxers Make you Feel in terms of Chronic Pain?

Muscle relaxers can help ease pain and stiffness in the muscle caused by an injury or persistent condition. However, they are most often used to relieve muscle spasms and can significantly reduce the intensity of muscle contractions. Muscle relaxants may also be used to provide relaxation in patients who experience difficulty sleeping or anxieties, allowing them to rest better.

Muscle spasms can sometimes be caused by an underlying medical condition such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or lower back pain. In such cases, a muscle relaxer may provide only temporary relief from the muscle spasm. Other treatments, such as physical therapy and lifestyle changes, may need to be employed to provide more lasting muscle relaxation.

It is crucial for anyone considering muscle relaxer use to discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor, as some muscle relaxers can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or nausea. Muscle relaxers should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a physician.

What Do Muscle Relaxers Do Exactly?

Muscle relaxers are typically prescribed to relieve musculoskeletal pain, spasms, and other muscle-related conditions. These medications reduce the release of certain brain chemicals responsible for muscle tension, pain, and cramps. Muscle relaxers are generally prescribed to treat back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions, including fibromyalgia and arthritis.

What Does a Muscle Relaxer Do For Spasms? 

Muscle relaxers are also used to relieve muscle stiffness, cramping, and spasms not caused by medical conditions. Some of these medications act as sedatives, causing a feeling of relaxation or drowsiness, making them helpful for treating anxiety or insomnia. Muscle relaxers can also be used to relieve the feeling of pain caused by overexertion, fatigue, and repetitive motions.

Muscle relaxers can help reduce the intensity of muscle spasms and loosen the muscles to alleviate stiffness. They can also address the cramping and pain associated with cramps and help promote better relaxation and comfort. Muscle relaxers relieve pain and discomfort caused by muscle spasms, cramping, and tightness.

What Do Muscle Relaxers Do to your Brain?

Muscle relaxers generally don’t affect cognitive functioning or mood because they don’t cross the blood-brain barrier. However, some research suggests that certain muscle relaxers can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion in some people. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects before beginning a muscle relaxer.

Top Prescription Muscle Relaxers Names In-depth Review

Several prescription medications are commonly used as a muscle relaxant. Here are a few examples:

1. Baclofen: This medication treats spasms and muscle cramps caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions.
2. Carisoprodol: This medication treats muscle spasms and pain caused by injuries or other conditions.
3. Cyclobenzaprine: This medication treats muscle spasms and pain caused by injuries or other conditions.
4. Metaxalone: This medication treats muscle spasms and pain caused by injuries or other conditions.
5. Tizanidine: This medication treats muscle spasms and pain caused by injuries or other conditions.

It’s important to note that muscle relaxants should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. They can have side effects and may interact with other medications you are taking. While a muscle relaxer can be a valuable tool in relieving muscle spasms and muscle tension, patients should understand the potential risks associated with their use before starting any treatment regimen.

Muscle Relaxer Addiction Statistics

Additionally, in 2016, almost 70% of patients who received a prescription for a muscle relaxant also received a prescription for an opioid, which could potentially result in harmful interactions. The researchers also discovered that, despite national guidelines indicating that this class of medications should almost always be avoided in individuals 65 and older, muscle relaxants were prescribed disproportionately to older persons throughout this time.

---

---

Proper Use of Over The Counter Muscle Relaxers

Numerous types of medications can have harmful interactions with alcohol. According to researchers at the University of Oklahoma, even moderate alcohol can interfere with your body’s ability to metabolize drugs or enhance the effects of certain medications. Medication interactions can often cause excessive drowsiness and can result in liver problems. Drug interactions with alcohol include antibiotics, antidepressants, pain medications, antihistamines, barbiturates, opioids, and muscle relaxants.

Learn more and get the facts about over the counter muscle relaxers.

What Do Muscle Relaxers Do?

There are two types of muscles, smooth and striated. The molecules within muscle fibers are responsible for muscle contraction. A muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction that can be painful and uncomfortable. The contractions happen when the muscle lacks several nutrients. Nutrient deficiency in the muscles can occur for various reasons, such as fatigue, overuse, diabetes, exposure to excessive heat, and kidney disease. Muscle relaxers work by lessening the tightness or stiffness in the muscles, which decreases discomfort and pain. Some muscle relaxers target the central nervous system, while others target the muscles directly. 

Muscle relaxers should not be shared, misused, or abused like all prescription medications. Taking muscle relaxer tablets more than the prescribed dosage or more frequently than advised is highly dangerous and can lead to addiction. Muscle relaxers should also never be combined with antihistamines or alcohol. Despite the severity of muscle relaxer side effects, quitting them can be challenging to do for someone who has become dependent on this drug. 

Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive?

Wondering, “are muscle relaxers addictive?” Yes, muscle relaxants can be addictive for some people. Taking them without a prescription or more than your doctor has recommended can increase your chances of becoming addicted. Recommendations generally limit the use of these drugs to a maximum of three weeks since they have not been shown to work for muscle spasms beyond that duration. They can cause serious side effects, including falls, fractures, vehicle crashes, abuse, dependence, and overdose.

It is important to note that some muscle relaxers have the potential to be abused and can cause dependence. At the same time, they are generally considered to be less addictive than other types of drugs, such as opioids. Although muscle relaxers are not generally considered to be highly addictive, they can cause physical dependence if they are taken for an extended period. If a person stops taking the medication suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, anxiety, and insomnia.

It’s crucial to use muscle relaxers only as directed by a healthcare provider and to be aware of the potential for dependence and abuse. If you are taking muscle relaxers and are concerned about addiction, discussing your concerns with your healthcare provider is a good idea. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your needs.

Muscle Relaxer Abuse

Muscle relaxers have the potential for abuse and addiction. In addition, extended and continuous use can lead to increased tolerance and physical dependence. For this reason, muscle relaxers are intended as a short-term treatment and not to be prescribed for more than 2-3 weeks.

Unfortunately, many people take muscle relaxers alone or with other illegal drugs for nonmedical reasons, such as producing or enhancing feelings of dissociation and euphoria. 

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)[2], Carisoprodol (brand name Soma) is a Schedule IV drug and is one of the most commonly diverted and misused drugs. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [3] suggests never combining muscle relaxants such as Soma or Flexeril with alcohol and other substances or medications. Muscle relaxer abuse can lead to serious dangers, such as an increased risk of overdose, resulting in seizures, hallucinations, coma, and death.

Types Of Muscle Relaxers

Muscle relaxer abuse can have harmful effects, including seizures, behavioral changes, and withdrawal. Recognizing and understanding these signs of addiction early is essential, as long-term use can worsen side effects.

Muscle relaxers reduce activity levels in muscle cells and change how the central nervous system transmits spasmodic messages. These chemical effects lead to the relaxation of muscle tissue and, in some situations, paralysis.

The two main classes of muscle relaxers include:

Over The Counter Muscle Relaxers (OTC Muscle Relaxer)

An over-the-counter (OTC) muscle relaxer relaxes tense muscles and alleviates pain. OTC muscle relaxer medications are available as pills, creams, and gels and can be bought at most pharmacies and some grocery stores. Examples of OTC muscle relaxers include ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen.

Moreover, an OTC muscle relaxer does not require a prescription but may bear the same risks as a prescription muscle relaxer. There are no over-the-counter muscle relaxers apart from a handful of topical preparations. In the case of the absence of OTC muscle relaxers, there are other typically recommended first-line treatment OTC drugs such as NSAIDs or other painkillers. For now, topical muscle relaxants are among the best muscle relaxers over the counter. Learn more about:

Common Presciption Muscle Relaxers

Prescription muscle relaxers are usually prescribed to treat back pain in conjunction with rest and physical therapy. Popular muscle relaxants include:

• Baclofen. Baclofen may ease muscle tightness and muscle spasms related to spine injuries.
• Benzodiazepines. In addition to treating anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizure disorders like epilepsy, benzodiazepines can also treat muscle spasms and skeletal pain.
• Carisoprodol (Soma). Carisoprodol relaxes muscles and eases pain and stiffness caused by acute bone and muscle problems, often caused by an injury.
• Chlorzoxazone (Lorzone). Chlorzoxazone is used to relieve discomfort from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.
• Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid, FlexePax Kit, FusePaq Tabradol). Cyclobenzaprine eases stiffness and pain from muscle cramps, also called muscle spasms.
• Dantrolene (Dantrium). Dantrolene helps control chronic spasticity related to spinal injuries. It is also used for conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.
• Metaxalone (Skelaxin, Metaxall, Metaxall CP, Lorvatus PharmaPak). Metaxalone targets pain and muscle spasms from sprains, strains, and muscle injuries.
• Methocarbamol (Robaxin, Robaxin-750). Methocarbamol eases acute muscle and bone pain. It can be taken as a tablet or by injection. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, flushing, and blurred vision.
• Orphenadrine. Orphenadrine is a medication that relieves pain and stiffness caused by muscle injuries. It is available as an extended-release tablet.
• Tizanidine (Comfort Pac with Tizanidine, Zanaflex). Tizanidine treats muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injuries and other conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Most Common Top Muscle Relaxers Names Infographics

The two most commonly prescribed muscle relaxers’ names are cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol. Cyclobenzaprine is typically used to treat muscle spasms, while carisoprodol is usually prescribed to help relieve muscle pain and discomfort. The dosage, side effects, and interactions of these medications vary, so be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

Embed the above “Most Common Over The Counter Muscle Relaxer” Infographic to your Website

This Most Common Over The Counter Muscle Relaxer infographic is provided with compliments of the We Level Up NJ addiction treatment center team. To use the overhead infographics, you agree to link and attribute its source and owner https://welevelupnj.com/treatment/muscle-relaxers/.

Most Common Over The Counter Muscle Relaxer infographic image link: https://welevelupnj.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/thumbnail_Most-Common-Over-The-Counter-Muscle-Relaxer-1030×1030.png.

Cannabis Muscle Relaxers

According to studies, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for marijuana’s euphoric effects, could also relax the muscles.

The fact that cannabis is still illegal to cultivate, supply, and possess in many places limits research on its therapeutic benefits.

More research is therefore required to determine whether cannabis or the components it contains can reduce muscle spasticity or muscle spasms.

How Long Do Muscle Relaxers Stay In Your System?

Muscle relaxers act as central nervous system depressants and cause a sedative effect or prevent your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. The onset of action is rapid, and results typically last 4-6 hours.

Methocarbamol

Methocarbamol is an OTC nonbenzodiazepine, antispasmodic medication. It is sold under the brand name Robaxin. Usually prescribed to treat back pain, it’s considered less sedating than other options. Side effects may include drowsiness, headaches, confusion, dizziness, and an upset stomach.

Abuse and addiction to muscle relaxers may develop after receiving a prescription from a healthcare professional or after abusing them recreationally. Habitual, long-term use, and recreational use of prescription muscle relaxers can lead to addiction requiring inpatient drug rehab.

10 Most Common Muscle Relaxers FAQs

5 Signs Of Muscle Relaxer Abuse

It is difficult for someone to identify the signs of muscle relaxer abuse and addiction, especially in cases where the person hides their use. Yet, identifying early signs and interventions may help prevent prescription drug abuse from becoming an addiction.

Discovering the common signs of muscle relaxer addiction may help loved ones intervene early in prevention.

1. Taking Muscle Relaxers Without a Prescription

Someone taking muscle relaxers without a prescription is at significant risk of developing dependency, side effects, and addiction. Abuse of prescription muscle relaxers in a way not intended or prescribed by a qualified doctor is a sign of addiction.

A person who uses muscle relaxers outside the supervision of a doctor should be considered as potentially suffering from substance use disorder, particularly in recreational or long-term use cases.

Federal laws prohibit buying controlled substances such as sedatives, pain relievers, or stimulants without a valid prescription. Consuming prescription drugs without a prescription is not only dangerous but also illegal.

People who take high doses of these prescription drugs, or abuse them for nonmedical reasons, are at great risk of overdose. When muscle relaxers are combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, dangerous side effects are likely.

2. Side Effects of Muscle Relaxer Abuse

Many people become addicted to prescription muscle relaxants after receiving a prescription from trusted doctors. Practitioners may attempt to treat muscle spasms and back pain with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as acetaminophen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

If these treatments fail, a doctor may prescribe skeletal muscle relaxants for short durations with physical therapy or alone.

Prescription muscle relaxants attach to GABA receptors and influence neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to sedative and relaxant effects.

Individuals who take muscle relaxants after treatment and others who abuse these drugs recreationally may become physically dependent on and addicted to them.

People who become addicted to prescription muscle relaxants may develop physical symptoms.

Some common side effects caused by short-term muscle relaxant abuse can include:

Long-term side effects of abusing muscle relaxers include:

If you are addicted to drugs like muscle relaxers, your first step in recovery should be a detox in a safe and medically supervised setting. That is why We Level Up is here for you. We Level Up detox center medically assists patients in clearing their systems of addictive substances, such as alcohol and addictive substances.

We know that just stopping use can cause severe mental distress for anyone suffering from addiction. Inpatient rehab will help you manage the medical detox process.

The most effective treatments for muscle relaxers addiction are behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral and contingency management interventions. For example, the Matrix Model—a 16-week comprehensive behavioral treatment approach that combines behavioral therapy, family education, individual counseling, 12-step support, drug testing, and encouragement for non-drug-related activities—effectively reduces muscle relaxers’ misuse.

Psychotherapy 

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with muscle relaxers addiction, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – An effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression. Cognitive behavior therapy has been evaluated as particularly effective for treating muscle relaxers addiction and co-occurring disorders of depression and anxiety.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – A comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Person-Centered Therapy – A strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.
• Solution-Focused Therapy – An approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. Traumatic experiences can often result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both conditions done by the same team or provider.

We Level Up thorough approach to rehabilitation supports several levels of care to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient who enters our doors.  From an intensive and more supportive atmosphere for those in the early days of recovery to a comfortable residential-style living dynamic upon completion of detox, We Level Up is here to help guide you down the safe, medication-assisted treatment and results-based path to sobriety.

If you or a loved one is struggling with muscle relaxers addiction or similar drugs, call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.

Muscle Relaxers Names, Cyclobenzaprine, Soma, Baclofen, their Side Effects, Types & Risks Video