OTC Muscle Relaxant Reviews

Muscle relaxants are one of the common drugs that are used for alleviating stiffness, pain, swelling or any other muscle injuries. Muscle relaxants are divided into two main groups - spasmolytics and neuromuscular blockers. Muscle relaxants belonging to each of these groups have their specific target areas, for instance, spasmolytic muscle relaxers are used for the treatment of muscle spasms, musculoskeletal pain and spasticity of various other neurological conditions. Neuromuscular blockers on the other hand, are used as emergency medicines and during various surgical procedures, since they can cause paralytic effects. Hence, one can say that muscle relaxants only alleviate the pain, and do not treat or cure the health condition. They are available in both prescribed as well as over the counter form. Many people assume that over the counter muscle relaxants are ineffective as compared to the prescribed ones. However, there are a few OTC (over-the-counter) muscle relaxants that are quite effective.

Reviews

Since there is a huge difference in effects of various drugs that are mentioned in OTC muscle relaxer list, you need to do an OTC muscle relaxant comparison between spasmolytic and neuromuscular blocker muscle relaxers and then opt for the best one that you actually need. Here are some of the best muscle relaxers over the counter products that you can use for various types of muscle pain.

Robaxin (Methocarbamol)
Robaxin (Methocarbamol) is actually a carbamate which is derived from guaifenesin, which is a central nervous system depressant. Guaifenesin is a sedative drug that also has musculoskeletal relaxant properties. This is a good muscle relaxant for relieving muscle sprain and strain. This is an orange colored, film coated tablet which you need to consume with a full glass of water. Some muscle relaxer side effects of this medicine that can be observed with overdose, include: slow heart rate, confusion, loss of balance, spinning sensation, jaundice and seizures.

Lioresal
Lioresal (Baclofen) is the best OTC muscle relaxant which is also used as an antispastic. Lioresal is mainly used for alleviating muscle spasm which is caused by multiple sclerosis. These tablets reduce the frequency of muscle spasms. Lioresal intrathecal or baclofen injections are also available that are free from preservatives, antioxidants and all the other neurotoxic additives. Some potential side effects that can be observed with overdose, include: convulsions, confusion, uneven heart rate, drowsiness, headache, weakness, insomnia or hypersomnia, hives, difficulty breathing and swelling.

Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
Tegretol (Carbamazepine) is often mentioned in many reviews for its primary use of controlling various types of nerve problems and muscle spasms. It is an anticonvulsant and analgesic drug which is available in chewable tablet form. It is used for various medical conditions like several types of epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia (pain in the jaw and cheeks) Some potential side effects of this drug that can be observed with sudden discontinuation, include: seizures, anxiety, restlessness, depression, psychological effects like suicidal thoughts, mood swings, and behavioral malfunctions.

Tramaden
Tramaden is a clinically proven muscle relaxer that tops the list for the drugs that provide long-lasting pain relief. This drug is used for alleviating conditions like joint pain, muscle pain and muscle spasm. Sometimes it is also suggested that Tramaden should be consumed as a dietary supplement. For that, you need to consume one Tramaden capsule a day prior to meals. These capsules also provide joint flexibility and promote healthy cell growth. However, consuming more than three Tramaden capsules a day can cause several common side effects.

Zanaflex (Tizanidine)
Zanaflex (Tizanidine) is a anα2-adrenergic agonist. These capsules are used for relieving muscle cramps and increasing muscle tone in a few medical conditions like spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. Zanaflex capsules can be consumed 2 to 3 times a day but they do not cause any direct effect on the neuromuscular junction, skeletal muscle fibers or monosynaptic spinal reflexes. Overdose of Zanaflex can lead to certain side effects like confusion, fainting, hallucinations, nausea, stomach ache, unusual physical and mental behavior, slow heart rate, etc.

Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Along with alleviating muscle pain and muscle spasm, Celebrex is also used for relieving fever and swelling, which is caused due to ankylosing spondylitis and various types of arthritis like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Celebrex is also used for alleviating menstrual cramps. A few possible side effects of Celebrex include: weakness, breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, slurred speech, coughing up blood, vision problems and loss of digestive health.

Skelaxin (Metaxalone), Toradol (Ketorolac), Acetaminophen (paracetamol), Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc. are some other drugs that get positive reviews. As a parting note, I would like to inform you all, that muscle relaxants are not approved by the FDA for frequent or long term usage and hence, you do need the doctors consent to do so. Take care!