Muscle sprains, strains and spasms can limit a person's range of motion and cause pain and discomfort during simple movements. When heat therapy, physical therapy, massage and other treatments do not reduce this pain effectively, muscle relaxants may be prescribed to reduce discomfort and improve mobility. These drugs should be used only for short periods of time under the supervision of a medical professional.
Metaxalone
Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer that is used with physical therapy and rest to reduce the pain caused by muscle strains and injuries. Patients should inform their doctors of any previous or current liver disease, blood disorders, kidney disease and seizures before taking metaxalone. Possible side effects of this drug include nervousness, dizziness, vomiting, upset stomach, headache and drowsiness. Seek medical advice immediately if a severe skin rash, difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), seizures, unusual tiredness or unusual weakness occur.
Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that works on the central nervous system. It is used to treat pain and motion limitation caused by spasms of the muscles. Patients should inform their doctors if they are taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications, as harmful drug interactions can occur. These reactions can be especially harmful when cyclobenzaprine is mixed with antidepressants, seizure medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, allergy and cold medicines and cough medicines. Side effects of cyclobenzaprine include dizziness, upset stomach, dry mouth and drowsiness. Seek medical attention if signs of an allergic reaction occur. These signs include difficulty swallowing or breathing, severe skin rash, irregular heart rate and swelling of the tongue or face.
Tizanidine
Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant that is indicated for short-term treatment of muscle pain and discomfort. According to Cerner Multum, this drug works by blocking the nerve impulses responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. This drug should not be taken in conjunction with fluvoxamine, an antidepressant, or ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic. Patients should report any history of kidney disease, long QT syndrome, high blood pressure, low blood pressure or kidney disease before taking tizanidine. Possible side effects of this drug include drowsiness, numbness and tingling, dizziness, fever, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, back pain, muscle weakness, sweating, skin rash and increased muscle spasms. Seek medical attention for lightheadedness, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, confusion, fainting, burning or pain while urinating, nausea, low fever, stomach pain, dark urine, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, slow heart rate and clay-colored stools.
Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant used in combination with other therapies to reduce the pain caused by muscle injuries and strains. This drug should be used with caution in patients who are taking cold medications, sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, allergy medications and other muscle relaxants. Patients with kidney or liver disease may not be able to take carisoprodol, or they may only be able to take a reduced dose. According to the National Institutes of Health, the side effects of carisoprodol include dizziness, headache, upset stomach, skin rash, drowsiness, clumsiness, fast heart rate and vomiting. Mixing this drug with alcohol can make drowsiness worse. Seek medical attention for weakness, difficulty breathing, fever and burning sensation in the eyes.
