Skeletal muscles most commonly spasm in response to an acute injury or as a consequence of misuse or overuse. They can also occur as a side effect of prescribed medications and as a result of chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury.
Medications referred to as muscle relaxers may be prescribed by your physician to help alleviate these painful muscle spasms. Although they are a diverse group of medications, they all share the potential side effects of sedation, fatigue and dizziness.
Most frequently prescribed medications
According to "American Family Physician," diazepam (Valium), carisoprodol (Soma), and cyclobenazeprine (Flexeril) are among the top 50 most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. However, each of these medications has its drawbacks. Both diazepam and carisoprodol present significant risks of physical dependence and abuse. Cyclobenazeprine adversely interacts with many other medications and must be used with caution.
Acute musculoskeletal relaxers
Methocarbamol (Robaxin), metaxalone (Skelaxin), orphenadrine (Norflex), and chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte) are commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of muscle spasms, such as lower back strain or neck pain. These medications are often paired with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Anti-spasticity medications
Baclofen (Lioresal), dantrolene (Dantrium), and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are used to treat abnormal muscle tone in diseases and conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke and spinal cord injury. These muscle relaxers are not routinely prescribed for acute injuries, but rather as part of a treatment regimen for chronic conditions.
References
- UptoDate.com: Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain
- American Family Physician: Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
- "The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics"; Goodman and Gilman; 2006
