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: March 16, 2023

Over The Counter Muscle Relaxer

Finding relief can seem impossible when physical pain, like back spasms, takes over your body. Fortunately, there are options. Over the counter muscle relaxers or over the counter muscle relaxants can help reduce tension and discomfort. In this article, we’ll dive into what these muscle relaxer pills over the counter do. Before deciding which is best for you, you ought to know how effective over-the-counter muscle relaxers are compared to their side effects. Plus, learn when to see a medical provider for further care so painful muscles can recover better.

One of the strongest muscle relaxers over the counter outside the USA is only available in the USA as a prescription. Carisoprodol (Soma) helps relieve musculoskeletal pain. It’s a schedule IV drug (meaning it’s a controlled substance) that is prone to drug abuse. While its potency usually sets within 30 minutes, its effectiveness is only known to last up to three weeks. Anyone experiencing signs of drug addiction to this drug must undergo Soma detox to wean off the medication safely.

There are no strongest over the counter muscle relaxers in the United States. However, several OTC drugs can have muscle-relaxing effects. They include guaifenesin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Muscle Relaxer Addiction Statistics

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 dangerous interactions. The researchers also found that, despite national guidelines pointing 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.

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Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Over the Counter Muscle Relaxer

Tylenol is also known under the generic name acetaminophen. It treats pain and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms, or other muscle injuries. Acetaminophen raises a person’s pain threshold – meaning it is harder to feel pain. This muscle relaxant OTC can reduce fever by telling the heat-regulating center of the brain to lower the body’s temperature when it is too high. It is also thought to reduce the number of chemicals in the brain that causes inflammation and swelling.

Acetaminophen was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1951. [1] While Tylenol and generic acetaminophen do not require a prescription, Tylenol 3 does. This is because Tylenol 3 is a more robust version of regular Tylenol. Tylenol 3 contains acetaminophen and a high amount of codeine, an opioid.

Acetaminophen as a Recreational Drug

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) isn’t addictive, and individuals don’t take it to get high. However, it is an active ingredient in many painkillers, such as Percocet and Vicodin, which are abused for their highs. The acetaminophen contained in these drugs is often the most damaging.

Overdose from this over counter muscle relaxant causes about 60,000 individuals each year to go to the hospital, several hundred of which die from associated liver failure. Large doses or chronic use can lead to liver damage, primarily when combined with alcohol or other drugs.

If a person abusing acetaminophen suddenly stops misusing the over the counter muscle relaxer, withdrawal symptoms can occur. These withdrawal symptoms may range from bone and muscle pain and restlessness to diarrhea and vomiting. People with an acetaminophen addiction need to seek the proper addiction recovery treatment from qualified medical professionals.

Side Effects of Acetaminophen Abuse

Acetaminophen is commonly misused as a recreational drug with other medications. [2] On their own, these muscle relaxers OTC are widely accepted as a safe drug and easily accessible.

However, more potent forms of acetaminophen, such as Tylenol 3, can only be purchased on a doctor’s prescription, as it contains a significant amount of codeine, another opioid drug. Acetaminophen alone is not particularly causing drug dependency, but the opioid codeine in Tylenol 3 can become habit-forming.

The opioid codeine in Tylenol 3 can cause euphoria, which leads some patients to abuse the drug. Tylenol 3 also amplifies the effects of other medications, such as alcohol, narcotics, tranquilizers, general anesthetics, sedative-hypnotics, and other central nervous systems (CNS) depressants. Mixing acetaminophen with any of these drugs heightens the risk of experiencing side effects from each medication.

In addition to the dangerous effects of acetaminophen abuse, chronic overuse of painkillers can lead to psychological and physical dependence and the associated withdrawal symptoms when drug use is stopped.

Acetaminophen Liver Damage

Acetaminophen toxicity in the form of chronic liver damage can happen when too much of the drug has been taken. Whether intentional or accidental, an overdose of this drug requires immediate medical attention to prevent further damage to the body. Symptoms of liver damage include:

More complications can occur with over the counter muscle relaxer acetaminophen as it interacts with other drugs. Antifungals, antibiotics, sulfa drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and birth control pills, as well as medications for the treatment of cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, seizures, HIV/AIDS, and psychiatric conditions, can all be affected by this over the counter muscle relaxer.

Acetaminophen and Alcohol

Alcohol abuse combined with acetaminophen use can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and liver damage. Any drugs or substance, for that matter, that puts prolonged stress on the liver or kidney poses significant health threats, especially when mixed with acetaminophen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends not drinking more than three alcoholic beverages in one day if planning on taking acetaminophen.

Naproxen (Aleve) Over the Counter Muscle Relaxer

Naproxen (Aleve) is a popular and accessible nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It treats muscle pain, migraines, osteoarthritis, headaches, cramps, fever, and minor injuries. This over the counter muscle relaxer daily usage is generally safe when someone follows the instructions. However, over the counter muscle relaxer pills abuse and misuse can lead to a risk of drug abuse. Naproxen abuse can cause severe health issues [3].

Naproxen is both a prescription and OTC medicine. One can buy a prescription Naproxen as a tablet or an effervescent. Furthermore, its classification as a painkiller means a medical prescription is crucial, primarily for patients suffering from tissue inflammation. The drug is an OTC medication with the brand name Aleve. Prescription Naproxen is also known as Naprosyn and Anaprox.

Naproxen Abuse

Though the Naproxen euphoria or “feeling of high” is not likely, this doesn’t mean that this over-the-counter muscle relaxer is not abused. It is easy to get Naproxen from the drugstore. One should also be aware of imprints like Naproxen 500, as different dosages have their respective imprints. This will help in recognizing the correct dosage for an underlying condition.

Withdrawal from Naproxen 

While the over-the-counter muscle relaxer can be taken as prescribed by the doctor, it may cause dependence and tolerance, even if taken briefly. Anyone who is chronically abusing the drug will experience withdrawal. The process of quitting the drug is presented various withdrawal signs and symptoms.

Physical withdrawal symptoms of Naproxen can last from 48-72 hours or up to 30-60 days. The severity of Naproxen withdrawal depends upon the quantity and duration the user has used the muscle relaxant drugs over the counter. Withdrawal symptoms happen as the body tries to recover from the interference of Naproxen within its systems.

Symptoms of Naproxen Abuse Physical Withdrawal

• Irregular heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Severe and repeated episodes of headache that become painful to the extent that vomiting and shivering happen to be a typical part of it
• Fever and flu-like symptoms
• Nausea with no specific reason before, during, and after having a meal

Symptoms of Naproxen Abuse Psychological Withdrawal

• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Irritation
• Fluctuating mood swings

Quitting the drug cold turkey or without medical help is dangerous to your health. The management of Naproxen’s side effects and withdrawal requires proper medical attention.

Ibuprofen (Advil) Over the Counter Muscle Relaxer

Ibuprofen (Advil) belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) class. It is typically used to manage mild to moderate pain, reduce fever, or decrease inflammation, stiffness, and swelling. Misuse of this over the counter muscle relaxer can lead to Ibuprofen abuse and addiction. Nonprescription

Ibuprofen may relieve pain from muscle aches, backaches, headaches, menstrual period, toothaches, and the common cold. Ibuprofen works in the body by reducing the production of substances that cause pain and inflammation. This drug is available in non-prescription and prescription forms. Many overdose experiences have been reported, though the frequency of life-threatening complications from Ibuprofen overdose is minimal. [4]

Ibuprofen Dependency and Abuse

Someone may begin taking Ibuprofen to manage mild to moderate pain. This may lead to the risk of developing a dependency and tolerance to this drug because they feel they cannot function normally without the medication.

For some individuals, Ibuprofen may be a way of “numbing” the physical pain, as well as the emotional pain. For people who have unresolved emotional issues or have suffered a traumatic event, their dependency on this drug may result from a psychological need to anesthetize the pain.

Without professionally treating and addressing these possible underlying issues, a dependency on this over counter muscle relaxer can continue. While Ibuprofen is not physically addictive, the continued use of the drug can present physical risks and hazardous consequences.

Ibuprofen Dependency Side Effects & Symptoms

• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal ulceration/blessing
• Itching or rash
• Constipation/Diarrhea
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Dizziness/Drowsiness
• Swelling of the eyes, face, or extremities
• Ringing in the ears

Ibuprofen Withdrawal

If someone has developed an addiction to Ibuprofen, they may experience mild side effects if suddenly discontinuing the OTC drug. Because Ibuprofen is not a habit-forming drug, these side effects are minimal but may include the following:

• Nausea
• Agitation
• Headache
• Increased Anxiety
• Increased depression
• Increased levels of pain

Strong Muscle Relaxers Over the Counter Warning

Strong OTC muscle relaxers may not provide sufficient relief from more serious medical conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or fibromyalgia. A doctor should be consulted for further evaluation and treatment options if needed.

It is essential to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking OTC muscle relaxants if there are any concerns or if the condition does not improve after a few days of use. Doing so can help ensure that strong OTC muscle relaxers are used safely and appropriately for optimal results.

Prescription Muscle Relaxers

The most popular prescription muscle relaxers include Flexeril, Skelaxin, Robaxin, Zanaflex, and Baclofen. Each medication varies in dosage and side effects, so speaking to your doctor to determine which medication is proper for you is crucial.

It is important to note that while muscle relaxers may provide some pain relief, they do not eliminate the underlying cause of the pain. Some muscle relaxers can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, so it is vital to take caution. Additionally, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking these medications and to be aware of any potential side effects. Get the facts about prescription muscle relaxers before you use them.

Top 5 Muscle Rrelaxers Over The Counter FAQs

Over-the-Counter Muscle Relaxer Video

Learn more about some of the more popular muscle relaxer names and brands like:

1. Flexeril (generic name: cyclobenzaprine)
2. Soma (generic name: carisoprodol)
3. Skelaxin (generic name: metaxalone)
4. Robaxin (generic name: methocarbamol)
5. Zanaflex (generic name: tizanidine)
6. Baclofen (generic name: baclofen)
7. Norflex (generic name: orphenadrine)

It’s important to note that these medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can have side effects and may interact with other medications. Following the prescribed dosage and not exceeding it is essential, as misuse or abuse can be dangerous.