Spirituality at SetonCove.net     Wellness at GoodHealth.com
Search Seton.net
Can’t find it? A - Z Index
...
...

Health Library Muscle RelaxantsFrom Healthwise

Home > Health Information from A-Z > Health Library > Health Topics > Back and Neck Pain

Muscle relaxants

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
carisoprodolSoma
cyclobenzaprineFlexeril
diazepamValium
metaxaloneSkelaxin
methocarbamolRobaxin

How It Works

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

Side Effects

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.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

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.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRobert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
Last RevisedFebruary 3, 2010

Last Revised: February 3, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine & Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

...
-
-
image Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the Magnet designation, the highest award for nursing excellence given by the American Nurses Association.
-
RSS Feed   (What's RSS?)