Back or neck pain as well as neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis are the reasons behind muscle spasms, says the National Center of Biotechnology Information. Muscle relaxers are a class of prescription medications that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for the treatment of muscle spasms, stiffness and limited mobility associated with muscle strain and neurological disorders.
Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
According to the Drugs.com, tizanidine is an oral prescription medication for the treatment of constant and unwanted contractions of a muscle called spasticity. Tizanidine has a short duration of action, and it relaxes the muscle contraction by blocking nerve signals to the brain. It should be taken when spastic muscles prevent the carrying out daily activities. Serious side effects include lightheadedness, fainting, slow heart rate, hallucinations, confusion, nausea, yellow skin or eyes and painful urination. If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Orphenadrine (Norflex)
The Mayo Clinic says that orphenadrine is an oral, prescription medication that relaxes muscles and helps ease the pain and discomfort that result from muscle strains, sprains and other injuries. Orphenadrine is taken as part of a treatment regimen that also includes rest and physical therapy for injured muscles. Some of the side effects of orphenadrine occur because it relaxes muscles by acting on the central nervous system. These effects include mental confusion, numbness of hands, feet, and around the mouth, trembling or shaking of hands or feet, and nervousness or irritability. If any of these side effects become overly troublesome, you should talk to your doctor.
Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte DSC)
According to Monthly Prescribing Reference, chlorzoxazone is an oral prescription muscle relaxer prescribed for highly painful musculoskeletal conditions. Sjnce chlorzoxazone magnifies the central nervous system depressing effects of alcohol and some medications, your doctor may want to monitor liver enzymes while you are taking chlorzoxazone. Other side effects include stomach upset, drowsiness and dizziness.
