Muscle relaxants

Examples
Generic Name Brand Name
carisoprodol Soma
cyclobenzaprine Flexeril
diazepam Valium
metaxalone Skelaxin
methocarbamol Robaxin

How It Works Side Effects

The muscle-relaxing effects of these
medicines are most likely the result of their
ability to depress the central nervous
system. They are also called sedatives.
Why It Is Used
Muscle relaxants can be helpful when
severe muscle spasms follow the start
of low back pain.
Muscle relaxants are not recommended for
use by pregnant women, older adults, or
people who have depression or a history of
drug or alcohol addiction.
How Well It Works
For acute low back pain, muscle relaxants
improve pain, muscle tension, and mobility.
But side effects are common.1
For chronic low back pain, muscle relaxants
may relieve pain and lead to overall
improvement, but side effects are common.2
Possible side effects of muscle relaxants
include:
 Drowsiness or dizziness.
 Possible addiction or dependence.
 Dry mouth.
 Urinary retention.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side
effects. (Drug Reference is not available in
all systems.)
What To Think About
Muscle relaxants should only be taken at
bedtime and never before driving or
operating machinery.
Use of muscle relaxants is restricted to
short-term use to avoid addiction.

Citations
1. McIntosh G, Hall H (2008). Low back pain (acute), search date May 2007. Online
version of BMJ Clinical Evidence:http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
2. McIntosh G, Hall H (2008). Low back pain (chronic), search date May 2007. Online
version of BMJ Clinical Evidence:http://www.clinicalevidence.com.