There are two classes of muscle relaxers. Antispasmodics reduce spasms by inhibiting signals in the brain, while antispastics affect the spinal cord and reduce muscle tightness and spasms.
Muscle relaxers are not safe for everyone. Below, we describe the different types, recommended dosages for adults, and possible side effects. We also look into an over-the-counter (OTC) option and whether cannabis might help.
Muscle relaxers encompass
Antispastics directly affect the spinal cord or the skeletal muscles with the aim of improving muscle tightness and spasms.
Antispasmodics help reduce muscle spasms via the central nervous system. They inhibit the transmission of neurons in the brain.
Antispastics and antispasmodics have different indications and side effects. Since these drugs work differently, a person should never use them interchangeably or substitute one type for another.
While muscle relaxants may provide short-term relief of acute lower back pain and muscle spasms, these medications can cause adverse side effects. Some muscle relaxers can also be addictive.
For these reasons, a person should limit their use as much as possible.
Also, doctors and pharmacists may warn against using certain medications or consuming alcohol with muscle relaxers, as the interactions can be dangerous.
These muscle relaxers alter the conduction in the central nervous system to decrease muscle spasms.
There are two types of antispasmodics: benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines block certain chemicals in the brain, and nonbenzodiazepines act on both the brain and spinal cord.
Diazepam
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. Doctors may prescribe diazepam for severe muscle spasms and for spasticity associated with neurological disorders. Valium and Diastat are common brand names of this drug in the United States.
Doctors may recommend diazepam tablets or injections.
Dosage
DailyMed, an extension of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), report the dosage as 2–10 milligrams (mg) orally three or four times a day.
If someone requires diazepam injections, the doctor may prescribe an initial intravenous (IV) dose of
Side effects
Common side effects of diazepam include:
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- loss of muscle movement
There is a risk of severe drowsiness or sedation if a person takes this medication and an opioid. Other risks of combining a benzodiazepine with an opioid include respiratory failure, coma, and death.
Carisoprodol
Carisoprodol is a nonbenzodiazepine. Adults can take carisoprodol for the relief of acute, painful muscle conditions. A common brand name for this drug in the U.S. is Soma.
Doctors can only prescribe it for a maximum of 3 weeks. There is insufficient evidence that it works for longer periods.
Dosage
The recommended dosage is 250–300 mg three times a day and at bedtime.
Side effects
The
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- a headache
Drowsiness is a frequent side effect, and it can affect a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery.
Doctors also warn people of the dangers of combining this medication with alcohol. In addition, there is a risk of developing a dependency on carisoprodol.
Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine is a nonbenzodiazepine. It can treat muscle spasms that occur with acute muscle conditions when a person combines it with rest and physical therapy. Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid are brand names of this drug in the U.S.
Cyclobenzaprine comes in two oral forms: immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules.
Dosage
DailyMed report that doctors usually prescribe 5 mg three times a day.
However, some people require higher dosages, such as 7.5 to 10.0 mg three times a day. The maximum is
Those taking the extended-release formula should take it at the same time each day.
Side effects
The
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- a headache
- irritability
- confusion
People taking medications that act on serotonin must avoid cyclobenzaprine, as it can increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Metaxalone
Metaxalone is a nonbenzodiazepine. Doctors prescribe metaxalone in combination with rest, physical therapy, and other nondrug treatment strategies for painful muscle conditions. The brand name of this drug is Skelaxin in the U.S.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for people over 12 years old is 800 mg three to four times a day.
Side effects
People taking metaxalone may experience:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- a headache
- irritability
- an upset stomach
People cannot take it with drugs that affect the amount of serotonin in the body, due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Below, find information about antispasmodics in a table:
| Drug | Brand name | Form | Dosage |
| Diazepam | Valium | Tablet or injection | |
| Carisoprodol | Soma | Tablet | 250–350 mg three times a day |
| Cyclobenzaprine | Flexeril | Tablet | 5–7.5 mg three times a day (tablet), or |
| Metaxalone | Skelaxin | Capsule | 800 mg three to four times a day |
Antispastic medications work on the spinal cord or muscle cells.
These drugs can help with conditions that cause spasms, such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as spinal cord injuries.
Baclofen
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have
- flexor spasms
- clonus
- spinal cord lesions
- MS
Doctors may recommend oral or intrathecal forms of baclofen. The latter involves an injection of the drug into the spinal canal.
The brand name of this medication is Lioresal in the U.S.
Dosage
Doctors typically recommend taking
If a person requires an intrathecal injection, they receive a single dose of 50 micrograms (mcg). If there is a response to the treatment, the doctor will adjust the dosage.
Side effects
The
- drowsiness
- confusion
- muscle weakness
- vertigo
- nausea
Dantrolene
Dantrolene can help ease muscle spasticity. Brand names for this in the U.S. are Dantrium, Revonto, and Ryanodex.
Dosage
For muscle spasticity, doctors may prescribe
They may then increase the dosage, depending on the person’s response. The maximum daily dosage is 400 mg.
IV dantrolene is also available.
Side effects
The side effects of IV dantrolene include breathing changes that occur due to weakness in the respiratory muscles and muscle weakness.
Oral dantrolene may damage the liver.
Tizanidine
Tizanidine has both antispasmodic and antispastic effects. People take it to help manage spasticity from MS or spinal cord injuries.
A brand name for this drug in the U.S. is Zanaflex.
Dosage
Doctors may prescribe capsules of
Side effects
People usually tolerate tizanidine well.
Some people report:
- itchiness
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- weakness
- dry mouth
- constipation
- rhinitis
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- nervousness
- hallucinations
- low blood pressure
- a low heart rate
The following table contains information about antispastic medications.
| Drug | Brand name | Form | Dosage |
| Baclofen | Lioresal | Tablet, intrathecal injection | |
| Dantrolene | Dantrium | Tablet, injection | |
| Tizanidine | Zanaflex | Capsule, tablet |
An OTC muscle relaxer does not require a prescription, but it may carry similar risks as a prescription muscle relaxer.
Methocarbamol
Methocarbamol is an OTC nonbenzodiazepine, antispasmodic medication. A common brand name for it in the U.S. is Robaxin.
People usually take this drug orally, but doctors can prescribe IV or intramuscular forms.
Dosage
If the doctor prescribes 500 mg tablets, they may recommend three tablets initially and two to maintain the effect. If they prescribe 750-mg tablets, they may recommend two initially and one or two to maintain the effect.
Overall, the guidelines advise taking 6 grams a day for the first 48–72 hours of treatment, though a doctor may recommend taking 8 grams in this period if the issue is severe.
Afterward, a doctor usually recommends lowering the dosage to about 4 grams a day.
Side effects
Side effects of methocarbamol may include:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- a headache
- an upset stomach
- confusion
Some
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the inhibiting psychoactive effects of cannabis, may have muscle relaxant properties, for example.
Overall, however, there is very scarce evidence of this potential effect, possibly due to the widespread prohibition of the cultivation, supply, and possession of cannabis.
The legalization of cannabis across many jurisdictions will help researchers study its medical uses.
Anyone with muscle spasms and pain should consult a doctor, who may prescribe or recommend a muscle relaxer. It is important to be aware of the possible side effects.
While an OTC muscle relaxer exists, it may not be appropriate for all types of muscle conditions. Contact a doctor or speak with a pharmacist before taking any muscle relaxer.
Muscle relaxers help relieve muscle pain and spasms, but they can cause side effects. The best option depends on the injury or underlying condition and factors such as the person’s age and current medications.
There are risks involved in taking prescription or OTC muscle relaxers. Consult a doctor or pharmacist first and follow the instructions closely.