Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Soma | carisoprodol |
| Flexeril | cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride |
| Valium | diazepam |
| Skelaxin | metaxalone |
| Robaxin | methocarbamol |
How It Works
The muscle-relaxing effects of this class of medication 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.
Diazepam (Valium) and carisoprodol (such as Soma) 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 more effectively than a placebo does.1 However, side effects are common.
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)
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Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Author | Lila Havens |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Katy E. Magee, MA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kathie Hummel-Berry, PT, PhD - Physical Therapy |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics |
| Last Updated | February 15, 2006 |
Lila Havens
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