Examples
|
| carisoprodol | Soma |
| cyclobenzaprine | Flexeril |
| diazepam | Valium |
| metaxalone | Skelaxin |
| methocarbamol | Robaxin |
| orphenadrine | Norgesic |
Muscle relaxants are sometimes combined with another medicine. For example, Norgesic combines orphenadrine with aspirin and caffeine.
How It Works
Muscle relaxant medicines relax muscles and may help reduce pain in people who have muscle spasms. The muscle-relaxing effects of these medicines are most likely the result of their ability to depress the central nervous system.
Why It Is Used
Muscle relaxants may be helpful when
severe muscle spasms follow the beginning of
neck pain.
How Well It Works
Muscle relaxants are commonly used to
treat muscle spasms in neck pain. But there is little research on their use for
neck pain.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Side effects include:
- Possible
addiction or
dependence.
- Drowsiness.
- Dry mouth.
- Urinary
retention.
These medicines are best taken at bedtime. If you use one
during waking hours, strictly avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing
similar activities that could be dangerous to you or to others if you become
drowsy.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Muscle relaxants are recommended
only for initial, short-term treatment of neck pain.
Diazepam and carisoprodol are not recommended for use by:
- Pregnant women.
- Older
adults.
- People who have
depression or a history of drug or alcohol
addiction.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Binder A (2008). Neck pain, search date May 2007.
Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics |
|---|
| Last Revised | July 30, 2012 |
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