Muscle Relaxant Tablet: Types, Risks, Medications, Side Effects, Precautions and More

Long working hours, stress, sports-related injuries and medical conditions are among the common problems that cause muscle pains, stiffness and spasms to a very large number of people. In such a situation, a muscle relaxant tablet would be very essential in relieving the pain and making the movement easier. Muscle relaxants (also known as muscle relaxers) are drugs used in reducing muscle spasms or muscle spasticity. Whereas spasms are abrupt, involuntary contraction of muscles through excess use or strain, spasticity is a persistent tightening of muscles due to damage of the brain or the spinal cord. Continue to read this blog to know about muscle relaxant tablet, their mechanism of action, the classification (antispasmodics/ antispastics), their side effects, risks, off-label use, and OTC ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌substitutes.

What is a Muscle Relaxant Tablet?

A muscle relaxant tablet is a drug that helps give pain to the involuntary or unwilling muscle contractions. They are commonly prescribed to doctors in such conditions:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Sports injuries
• Cervical spondylosis
• Sciatica
• Stiffness of the muscles after an injury.
• Spinal cord disorders (spasticity)

Muscle relaxants are not a cure but will relax the muscles, decrease stiffness, and make people able to rest and recuperate.

Difference Between Muscle Spasm and Muscle Spasticity

The difference is useful in determining the appropriate kind of muscle relaxant tablet.

Muscle Spasms

• Stressful involuntary contractions of the muscles.
• Due to strain, overuse of muscles, or dehydration or damage.
• Characteristic of the lower back pain, neck spasms, tension headaches.
• Frequently treated with antispasmodic muscle relaxants.

Muscle Spasticity

• Constant muscle contraction caused by nerve disorders.
• Disrupts walking, movement and speech.

Typically caused by:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cerebral palsy
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Types of Muscle Relaxant Tablet

The medicines used as muscle relaxants are divided into two large categories:

1. Antispasmodics (against Muscle Spasms)

These are skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs). They act by inhibiting nerve signals that may cause spasms or they have a weak sedative effect.

They are typically prescribed by doctors up to 23 weeks because data is not available on their long-term safety.

Side Effects of Antispasmodics

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Lowering of blood pressure on standing.

Common Muscle Relaxant Tablet List of Antispasmodics

These medicines find special application in back spasms, neck stiffness, sports injuries and acute muscle strain.

2. Antispastics (against Muscle spasticity)

Antispastics are used in case of nerve or spinal cord damage. Regular muscle spasms should not be used with them.

Baclofen

• Brand: Lioresal, Gablofen
• Form: Tablet, Injection
• Indications: Spasticity due to MS or spinal cord injury
• Side effects: Dizziness, weakness, fatigue.

Dantrolene

• Brand: Dantrium
• Affects skeletal muscle directly.
• Indications: Stroke, cerebral palsy, MS.
• Side effects: light headedness, drowsiness.

Diazepam

• Brand: Valium
• A type of drug in the benzodiazepine drug class.
• Indications: Trauma related spasms or spasticity.
• Side effects: Drowsiness, risk of dependence.

Table of Common Antispastic Tablets

Addiction and Other Risks of Muscle Relaxant Tablet

Some muscle relaxant tablet—especially carisoprodol and diazepam—can be addictive if taken longer than prescribed. Misuse may lead to dependence, tolerance, or overdose.

Potential Withdrawal Symptoms

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Severe anxiety
• Sweating

Other Important Warnings

• Muscle relaxants inhibit the central nervous system.
• Avoid driving, heavy machinery.

Never mix them with:

• Alcohol
• Sleeping pills
• Opioids
• CNS depressants
• St. John Wort (herbal supplement)

Do not use muscle relaxants when you have:

• Liver disease
• Elderly age (65+ years)
• Mental health disorders
• Brain disorders
• Risk of falls

Never forget to take the medicine as prescribed.

Off-Label Drugs Used to Treat Spasticity

Other drugs have not been declared to be muscle relaxants but are administered off-label as a requirement to treat spasticity.

1. Benzodiazepines (Sedatives)

These stimulate the effect of neurotransmitters to relax muscles.

Common examples:

• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)

Side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Balance problems
• Memory issues
• High dependency risk

2. Gabapentin

• Brand: Neurontin
• An anticonvulsant.
• Helps minimise nerve-related pain and spasticity.
• Use when other drugs are not working.

OTC Alternatives of Muscle Spasms

Healthcare professionals generally advise the use of OTC muscle relaxants in cases of mild to moderate muscle spasms or pain prior to prescribing muscle ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌relaxants. 

These include:

1. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).

NSAIDs prevent the effects of chemicals that produce pain and inflammation.

Examples:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

Comes in the form of tablets, capsules, suspensions and chewable tablets.

Side Effects

• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Acidity
• Bloating

2. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) works by inhibiting some pain causing enzymes.

Available as:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Chewable tablets
• Oral solution

The side effects are not severe and can be nausea or stomach pain.

3. Cannabis-Based Products

Preliminary evidence indicates that such compounds as THC can relax muscle. Nonetheless, cannabis cannot be taken as the first line option because it is restricted by law and there is not a lot of research on it, thus, it should be taken only under medical advice.

Identification of a Muscle Relaxant Tablet

In case of any doubt about a pill, take precautionary identification materials like:

• Prescription label
• Pharmacist guidance
• Professional pill finder software.

Do not take unknown pills independently.

What is the Maximum Duration You Should Take a Muscle Relaxant Tablet?

The majority of muscle relaxants are short term (23 weeks).

Persistent use exposes one to the dangers of:

• Addiction
• Liver strain
• Cognitive impairment
• Withdrawal symptoms

Always remember to take the time prescribed by your doctor.

Who Should Avoid Muscle Relaxant Tablets?

Avoid when you:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Are above 65 years
• Has kidney or liver diseases.
• Consume alcohol regularly
• Have a history of addiction
• Administer antidepressants or tranquilizers.

Precautions When Taking Muscle Relaxant Tablet

• Not to exceed prescription dose.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Should not drive following an intake of a muscle relaxant tablet.
• Do not confuse with sleeping pills.
• Store away from children

See your doctor in case of continued pain after a week.

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical help if:

• Pain continues for more than 7–10 days
• Muscle spasms worsen over time
• You experience numbness or tingling
• Pain radiates to the arms or legs
• You develop fever or swelling with muscle pain
• You notice extreme weakness or dizziness

Conclusion

A muscle relaxant tablet is a good remedy for muscle spasms and spasticity that result from strain, injury, or neurological conditions. However, they must be used carefully under medical supervision due to risks of drowsiness, dependence, and withdrawal.