Sometimes you suddenly feel like a muscle in your back is stuck, right? Or a muscle in your leg is pulled and you feel unbearable pain. At times like these, a doctor may prescribe you a 'muscle relaxant', a medicine that relaxes the muscles. So, what are these medicines? How do they actually work? What are the things we need to be careful about when using them? Let's talk about all of this in a simple way today.
What are these Muscle Relaxers?
Simply put, these are a type of medication that is prescribed by a doctor. They are mainly used to affect the function of our muscles and treat several related problems.
- Muscle spasms: A painful condition in which a muscle suddenly tightens and contracts.
- Spasticity: A neurological disorder that causes muscles to become permanently stiff and unable to flex or extend.
- Musculoskeletal pain: Pain associated with bones, joints, and muscles , especially back pain.
There are two main types of medications within this category called 'Muscle Relaxants'. They are ``Antispasmodics'' and ``Antispastics''. The actions, uses, and side effects of these two are different.
Importantly, in this article we are talking about medications that are given to 'skeletal muscles' that we can control as we wish. That is, the muscles that help us move our limbs and walk. Medications given to 'smooth muscles', which are in places like our intestines and stomach, and which we cannot control, are different.
Can I get these from the pharmacy without a prescription?
Absolutely not. These are prescription-only medications. Only your doctor can accurately diagnose your symptoms and prescribe the right medication and dosage for your health condition.
For general muscle pain, you can sometimes use a painkiller, for example, a medicine called ``NSAIDs`` (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, ``Muscle Relaxers`` are a different type of medicine, which can have side effects and risks, and therefore should only be taken under medical advice.
What are the main types of muscle relaxers?
The table below lists some of these medications and their associated brand names. Some of these are commonly used in Sri Lanka.
| Drug Class | Medicines (Generic Name) |
|---|---|
| Antispasmodics | Carisoprodol, Chlorzoxazone, Cyclobenzaprine, Metaxalone, Methocarbamol, Orphenadrine |
| Antispastics | Baclofen, Dantrolene |
| Types that have both of the above functions (Both Effects) | Tizanidine, Diazepam (Valium®) |
In what situations is this medicine used?
The two types of medication we discussed earlier are used for different purposes.
Antispastic (muscle spasm medication)
These are mainly used to treat a condition called spasticity. Spasticity is a condition in which some muscles become stiff and contracted due to damage to the brain or spinal cord. For example, when someone tries to extend their arm, the muscles in that arm suddenly tighten and they cannot do so. This condition can be seen in diseases such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Injuries to the brain or head
- ``Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)''
Antispasmodic (medicine for muscle spasms and pain)
This is the type of medication that doctors prescribe to many people for back pain and neck pain. But there is a very important thing we all need to know here.
These medications are not usually given as a first-line treatment for a condition like back pain. That is, doctors will only turn to these `Muscle Relaxers` if they have tried painkillers, exercise, and physical therapy first and failed. The main reason for this is the side effects and the risk of addiction to some types.
How does this medicine actually work?
Many muscle relaxants work by affecting our central nervous system, which is the brain and spinal cord. They slow down the activity of our nervous system (depressants). This is why the body feels sleepy and relaxed. Some medications directly block pain signals from reaching the brain.
Simply put, this medication works by weakening the signals that our brain sends to our muscles to "tighten up, feel pain." This causes the muscles to relax and the pain to decrease.
What are the side effects of these?
Like all medications, these can have side effects. Therefore, it is very important to talk to your doctor about the specific side effects that may occur with the medication you are prescribed.
These are some of the common side effects:
- Drowsiness and excessive fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dry mouth
Some of these, especially drowsiness, occur in most people. But if you experience severe side effects, such as dizziness or blurred vision, tell your doctor right away.
Does taking this medicine make you sleepy?
Yes, definitely. This is the main and most common side effect of this type of medication. Because this medication slows down the functioning of the nervous system, your attention and ability to react are reduced.
Therefore, while taking this medication, avoid activities that require alertness and safety, such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and working at heights. This is very important for your safety and that of others.
Biggest risks: addiction, alcoholism, and overdose
There are several dangerous risks that we should be especially aware of when using this medication.
Can you become addicted to these medications?
Yes. Some muscle relaxants have the potential to cause addiction. In particular, Carisoprodol and Diazepam (Valium®) are considered controlled substances. With continued use, the body can become dependent on them and become dependent on them.
If you or someone in your family has a history of drug addiction, talk to your doctor about these medications. If you feel like you are becoming addicted to the medication, never take more than the dose your doctor has prescribed. Talk to your doctor about this right away.
Is it dangerous to drink alcohol with muscle relaxers?
If this isIt's not a good idea to do anything, and it can even be life-threatening. Both `Muscle relaxers` and alcohol are `depressants` that slow down our nervous system. When these two are taken together, the effect can be doubled or tripled, leading to dangerous consequences like:
- Unbearable dizziness
- Excessive sleepiness
- Blurred vision
- Very low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness and collapse
- Memory problems
- Liver damage
- High risk of death due to overdose
What if I take an overdose of medication?
Because these medications can be addictive, some people misuse them for non-medical reasons, such as to get high or to induce another mental state. This is very dangerous.
A drug overdose can cause severe symptoms such as:
- Altered consciousness, loss of consciousness
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Respiratory depression
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
- Death
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, do not delay and immediately take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Also, if you suspect an overdose, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Muscle relaxers are a type of medication that should only be taken with a doctor's prescription. Never use medication prescribed for someone else or share your medication with others.
- These medications can cause excessive drowsiness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery while taking them.
- Most importantly: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. It can have very dangerous consequences.
- Some types carry a risk of addiction. If you feel you are becoming dependent on the medication, talk to your doctor immediately.
- If side effects are bothersome or your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor again. Avoid changing the dosage on your own.
- If symptoms of overdose (excessive drowsiness, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing) appear, immediately go to a hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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