Common Muscle Relaxers

Dealing with pain and discomfort helplessly with strained muscles takes a lot more than just strength and willpower. Most of us will not deal with the pain, it completely distracts our attention and keeps the mind lingering for comfort all the time. So what do you do to relax the muscles. If you are lucky enough to get a massage or an immediate relief therapy, you just saved yourself from a lot of pain and agony that muscle sprains and spasms give. For those with no other option, the best pals come for relief, and yes, we are talking about one of the many reasons we love science for, inventions of painkillers and medicines that relax the body. Muscle relaxers or relaxants reduce the pain, strain, and other muscular injuries and sprains. They not only reduce the spasms but also reduce the stiffness, seizure, muscle lesions, and relax the muscles. Skeletal muscle relaxants do not affect the muscles directly, they work by depressing the central nervous system (CNS), and are also called sedatives.

These drugs are mostly used to relieve lower back pain, chronic back pain, and also to treat muscle spasms caused due to neck pain and other neurological conditions. These are available only with prescription. Before deciding on over-the-counter medication, it is advised to first check its side effects. Consulting the doctor with issues like pregnancy, allergies, breastfeeding, etc., is very important before you take these drugs. Also, factors like age, combination with other possible medicines, and their side effects, must also be considered. Proper dosage and conditions to take the drugs should also be thoroughly discussed with the doctor.

List of Muscle Relaxers

Generic Name	Brand Name	Description
Diazepam	Valium	This is most commonly used as a sedative and also for anxiety. It affects the spinal cord and relieves muscle spasms. However, due to its side effects like sleep, addiction and withdrawal, the prescription for long term remains disputable.
Metaxalone	Skelaxin	Mainly meant for acute injuries, Skelaxin relaxes the strain and spasms for a short time. It does not have severe side effects, but just like most medication, some side effects like dizziness and drowsiness may be experienced.
Carisoprodo	Soma, Vanadom, Rela	Carisoprodol works very similar to Skelaxin. It is mostly used for relieving stiffness and spasms caused due to fatigue. It has side effects like headache and dizziness. It may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Cyclobenzaprine	Flexeril	Mainly used to treat musculoskeletal spasms, this drug can cause side effects like fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and may also lead to serious risks like a stroke and seizures.
Chlorzoxazon	Parafon Forte DSC	Parafon Forte DSC is mostly prescribed for high pain and spasms. It may be prescribed after your examination by the doctor. Common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness and stomach upset.
Orphenadrine	Norflex	It is most commonly used to relax cramps and muscles, to ease pain and muscle strains. The side effects include weakness, irritability, numbness of hands and feet, palpitation, also more severe ones like allergic reactions and hallucinations.
Tizanidine	Zanaflex	Zanaflex is mainly prescribed to reduce muscle contractions and spasms. It has side effects like fainting, slow heart rate, confusion, lightheadedness, painful urination, etc.

There are a few natural ingredients that are common muscle relaxers too. Let us take a look at some natural muscle relaxers.

• Rosemary - Works as a restorative agent. It can also be used in bath water. One can also use rosemary oil topically.
• Kava Root - This is a common muscle relaxer that is available in powder form. This is a safe relaxant but needs to be taken in proper doses, as it is a strong substance.
• Vervain - It has anti-spasmodic properties, and is a wild herb that can relieve muscle spasms and reduce anxiety.
• Catnip - This oil can be used to relax muscle spasms, menstrual cramps and swelling too. It has a calming effect and is a natural tranquilizer.
• Chamomile - It works as a sedative for muscle spasms. It also works well for headaches and menstrual cramps. The anti-inflammatory properties in chamomile help ease and calm the muscles.

Other herbs and plants like cayenne pepper, basil, cardamom, bergamot, caraway, etc., also are natural muscle relaxants.

With current lifestyles, it is very important to deal with spasms, pain and discomfort with muscles, well. A lot of people still use herbal remedies to relax muscles, which is also the most recommended. Hope the above facts for common muscle relaxers have helped you ease one cramp of curiosity you had.