Muscle Relaxers List, your guide…
“As I see it, every day you do one of two things: build health or produce disease in yourself”
Daisie Adelle Davis, American author and nutritionist.
Note that the Muscle Relaxers List is divided into four groups of muscle relaxants:
Medications that require medical prescription
Drugs that can be sold without medical prescription (Over the Counter Medications )
Natural muscle relaxers (Herbal and others)
Alternative group consisting of what we call here, relaxing by physical activation
There are cases in which only applying elements of the latter group, achieves excellent results in short periods of time. If you sustain a muscle injury from an accident, chances are your doctor will prescribe you a muscle relaxer to help you manage your symptoms. However, not all people react to muscle relaxers in the same manner, so it is best to familiarize yourself with some of the different types of muscle relaxers so you will know which side effects are normal and which side effects are serious health concerns.
MUSCLE RELAXERS LIST
MEDICATIONS OVER THE COUNTER
Formula 303
Formula 303 is rated 4.5/5 stars from 400+ reviews on Amazon. It requires no subscription and is made from natural ingredients including: Valerian root, Passiflora, and magnesium carbonate. It is used to treat muscle spasm, tension, anxiety, and stress. It is extremely cheap compared to alternative pharmaceuticals.
Penetrex
Penetrex is rated 4.3/5 stars from 6000+ reviews on Amazon. It is a topical treatment used primarily for muscle inflammation issues such as tendinitis, and arthritis. It is extremely popular and well rated.
FLEXERIL
Flexeril, a generic variety of the medication cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxer that is usually prescribed for the short-term relief of muscle spasms. Flexeril is also sometimes used for long-term conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Flexeril users commonly experience drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness, dry throat or mouth, appetite loss, diarrhea and gas while taking the medication. However, side effects such as hallucinations, dark urine, difficulty breathing and swollen tongue, throat or lips could indicate an allergic reaction to cyclobenzaprine. People who have heart disease or have recently had a heart attack, glaucoma, urination difficulties or hyperactive thyroids should not take Flexeril.
SOMA
Soma, or carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxer that relieves strains, sprains and other muscle injuries. However, Soma is not as widely prescribed as other muscle relaxers because it may become addictive. Soma has a strong sedative effect and also causes headaches, skin rashes, dizziness, vomiting, increased heart rate and clumsiness. Allergic reactions to Soma include burning eyes, fever, weakness and breathing difficulties. Women who are pregnant or nursing as well as people who have kidney or liver disease or epilepsy should not take Soma. Soma can also interfere with other medications, tranquilizers, vitamins and sedatives.
ZANAFLEX
Zanaflex is a muscle relaxer that is used for muscle spasms, tightness and cramps, spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. Zanaflex is usually prescribed in low doses at first and then gradually increased to combat the drowsiness and dizziness that accompany high doses. Zanaflex is habit-forming, and its abrupt discontinuance could provoke high blood pressure, muscle tension, anxiety, elevated heart rates and tremors.
SKELAXIN
Skelaxin, or metaxalone, is a muscle relaxer prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms and pain as well as increase range of motion. Skelaxin is not addictive and provides relief within an hour. The most common side effects of Skelaxin are vomiting, nausea, headache, nervousness, irritability, dizziness, drowsiness, jaundice and rash. Skelaxin may also cause anemia.
This second group (Muscle Relaxers List – Over the Counter), includes solutions that do not require a prescription, either because they do not contain any meds,because they are “medications” allowed to counter, or because only about homeopathic products. In our guide you will find ways to combine these alternatives to conventional medicine.
TIP from Muscle Relaxers List Staff:
Please see our specific section for Muscle Relaxers Over the Counter
MUSCLE RELAXERS LIST
MEDICATIONS BY PRESCRIPTION
BACLOFEN
Brand Name: Lioresal (Brand name is not currently available, but the generic is still available)
Generic Option: Yes
Side Effects: Drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and fatigue. Seizures and hallucinations have been observed with over dosage or abrupt discontinuation of therapy.
Discussion: Originally approved by the FDA in 1977.
Interestingly, baclofen has also been studied for its benefits to assist in suppressing alcohol addiction.
CARISOPRODOL
Brand Name:Soma, Soma Compound (carisoprodol + aspirin), Soma compound with codeine (carisoprodol, aspirin, and codeine)
Generic Option: Yes
Side Effects: Drowsiness and dizziness.
Discussion: This prescription muscle relaxer was approved by the FDA back in 1959, carisoprodol has been used for decades for treating muscle spasm and stiffness. One of the metabolites of carisoprodol is a Medication called “meprobamate” which is a controlled substance indicated for anxiety (though rarely used today). Some reports of dependence and withdrawal have been noted, and may be due to this metabolite. The combination with aspirin and/or codeine is used to treat pain as well as spasm. Do not use if allergic to aspirin or codeine.
CHLORZOXAZONE
Brand Names: Parafon Forte DSC
Generic Option: Yes
Side Effects: Drowsiness and dizziness. Stop immediately if a skin rash develops. Do not use if there is a history of liver or kidney disease. Do not use with alcohol.
Discussion: Approved by the FDA in 1987. Mechanism of action is not fully understood, but may be due, at least in part, to the sedative properties it possesses.
CYCLOBENZAPRINE
Brand Name:Flexeril, Flexmid, Amrix
Generic Option: Yes, but not for Flexmid
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness and dry mouth. It should generally not be taken with tricyclic antidepressants (eg Elavil), SSRI’s, MAO inhibitors (eg Parnate), other medication that effect the heart rhythm nor mixed with alcohol.
WARNING: A serious and sometimes fatal side-effect known as “Serotonin Syndrome” can occur when cyclobenzaprine is combined with other medications known to increase serotonin. Make sure your prescriber and pharmacist know all the medications, including OTC medications, that you are taking.
Discussion: First approved by the FDA in 1977. Very widely used and prescribed. Dosages above 30mg per day are not recommended.
DANTROLENE
Brand Name: Dantrium
Generic Option: Yes
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing and nausea. Liver toxicity has occurred at higher dosages.
Discussion: Approved by the FDA in 1974. Dantrium works differently than most other muscle relaxants. It acts directly in the muscle cells interfering with the movement of Calcium ions and thereby relaxing the muscle.
DIAZEPAM
Brand Name: Valium
Generic Option: YES
Side Effects:Typical side effects with Diazepam would include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue and muscle weakness. Less frequent, but possible, would be things like blurred vision, urinary retention, confusion, depression or slurred speech.
Discussion:Diazepam belongs to a family of medications known as “benzodiazepines.” They have some potential for abuse and/or dependence, and is therefore considered a “controlled substance” (schedule 4) by the DEA. By the way, do you know what was the #1 best selling prescription medication in the U.S. from 1969 until 1982? Yes, you guessed: Diazepam.
METAXALONE
Brand Name: Skelaxin 800mg
Generic Option: YES – A generic is now available for Skelaxin!
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and anxiety.
Discussion: Originally approved by the FDA in 1962. Most of the effectiveness of Skelaxin is likely due to its sedative properties.
METHOCARBAMOL
Brand Name(s): Robaxin
Generic Option: Yes
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, fever and nausea.
Discussion: Approved by the FDA in 1957. Interestingly methocarbamal is structurally similar to the over-the-counter mucus reducer known as Guaifenesin, and guaifenesin is one of its metabolites. Sorry, that doesn’t mean that Mucinex can be used as a muscle relaxant.
ORPHENADRINE
Brand Name(s): Norflex
Generic Option: Yes
Side Effects: Dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, drowsiness, headache and nausea.
Discussion: Initial FDA approval was in 1959. It is structurally similar to the antihistamine “diphenhydramine” (AKA Benadryl)! Sorry, it won’t help with your sneezing though.
TIZANADINE
Brand Name(s): Zanaflex
Generic Option: Yes, but only the tablets. The Zanaflex capsules (2mg, 4mg and 6mg) are not available generically.
Side Effects: Weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Discussion: Approved by the FDA in 1996. Tizanadine has a rapid onset of action, within 1-2 hours, and the effect begins to taper off after about 6 hours. Avoid using while taking the antibiotic Cipro or the antidepressant medication fluvoxamine. The capsules can be opened and sprinkled on soft food for easier swallowing if necessary.
These medications can be dangerous if not consumed under strict medical supervision. At Muscle Relaxers List, we are keen to avoid such solutions, which usually leads to consequences in the medium to long term. We recommend natural methods are less aggressive to the body, and easier to control. Anyway, if you choose a natural method, should be under medical supervision.
And if you choose to use solutions of this first group, use with caution and never treat yourself.
MUSCLE RELAXERS LIST
NATURAL AND HERBAL SOLUTIONS
Have you ever had a muscle strain or back injury?
If your answer is yes, you have probably taken painkillers or muscle relaxants.
Did you know you can get the same effects with natural muscle relaxers?. It is a healthier option because it does not produce many side effects and are easier to manage.
In “Muscle Relaxers List”, also recommended natural muscle relaxants, because they are composed of natural herbs with special properties.
These are some of the most popular natural muscle relaxants:
Chamomile
Rosemary
Kava Root
Valerian
Catnip
Cayenne Pepper
Lavender
Licorice
Devil’s Claw
Vervain
and Aromatherapy
TIP from Muscle Relaxers List Staff:
Please see our specific section for Natural Muscle Relaxers
MUSCLE RELAXERS LIST
MUSCLE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Today we live in a society that pushes us towards a life almost without limits, where most of the time we sacrifice our personal welfare for work. There are many studies from various universities who confirmed that over 60% of doctor visits are made for reasons stemming from the daily stress. All this leads to our bodies suffer a considerable drop in the production of defenses, which usually triggers disease, more or less severe, as appropriate.
Muscle Relaxation Techniques, help the general welfare and prevent most diseases.
When we reached a mental and physical balance to our body, we are in a position to say we extend our vital health.
Here at Muscle Relaxers List invite all those who suffer from stress testing the muscle relaxation techniques and join thousands of people around the world to make a better life, the path of health and happiness.
Then we leave them a series of questions that have been developed at the University of Maryland, with a research paper worth noting:
What muscle relaxation techniques can be applied?
There are three major types of relaxation techniques:
Autogenic training
Breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation
Meditation
NOTE from Muscle Relaxers List Staff:
Please see our specific section for Muscle Relaxation Techniques
How do relaxation techniques work?
When we become stressed, our bodies engage in something called the “fight or flight response.” The fight or flight response refers to changes that occur in the body when it prepares to either fight or run. These changes include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and rate of breathing, and a 300 – 400% increase in the amount of blood being pumped to the muscles. Over time, these reactions raise cholesterol levels, disturb intestinal activities, and depress the immune system. In general, they leave us feeling “stressed out.”
However, we also possess the opposite of the fight or flight response — the “relaxation response.” This term, first coined in the mid-1970s by a Harvard cardiologist named Herbert Benson, refers to changes that occur in the body when it is in a deep state of relaxation. These changes include decreased blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and rate of breathing, as well as feelings of being calm and in control. Learning the relaxation response helps to counter ill effects of the fight or flight response and, over time, allows the development of a greater state of alertness. The relaxation response can be developed through a number of techniques, including meditation and progressive muscle relaxation. It is now a recommended treatment for many stress related disorders.
What are relaxation techniques good for?
Research suggests that meditation can help improve a person’s quality of life and reduce stress hormone levels.
Clinical studies also show that relaxation techniques reduce the perception of pain. One clinical study found that among patients undergoing colorectal surgery, those who listened to guided imagery tapes before, during, and after the operation had less pain and needed fewer pain medications than those who did not.
Meditation has also been used as part of the treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans and to break substance abuse patterns in medication and alcohol abusers. Relaxation techniques can also enhance coping skills in migraine sufferers and reduce stress as well as improve mood in those with cancer.
In general, studies show that with consistent practice, relaxation techniques can potentially reduce symptoms or improve outcomes in the following conditions:
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Anxiety
- Infertility
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Panic disorders
- Chronic tension headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Insomnia
- Psoriasis
- Arthritis
- Hyperactivity in children, as in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
It is extremely important that usual medical care and advice be followed for these conditions as well. Relaxation techniques are meant to complement usual medical care.
HINT from Muscle Relaxers List Staff:
Please see our specific section for Muscle Relaxation Exercises
Is there anything I should watch out for?
Relaxation techniques are considered to be very safe. There have been unusual cases where people become more, rather than less, anxious when using the techniques because of a heightened awareness of body sensations. Even more rare are reports of pain, heart palpitations, muscle twitching, and crying spells associated with the use of relaxation techniques. When this happens, it is often related to the process of relaxing and reflecting inward such that emotions become very poignant.
Experts advise people with schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis (thought disorders that distort reality) to avoid relaxation techniques.
Can I learn relaxation techniques by myself?
If you want to generally reduce stress and enhance well being, you can teach yourself some relaxation techniques. Look for videotapes and audiobooks on popular techniques, such as guided imagery and meditation, and check for community classes in your area. If you have a specific medical or psychological disorder or concern, however, it is best to see a health care professional, such as a clinical psychologist, social worker, or guided imagery therapist who teaches relaxation techniques as part of their therapeutic practice. Your health care professional will help you decide what relaxation method is best for you.
Where can I find a qualified practitioner and official guides?
Numerous clinics and hospitals around the country have integrated relaxation techniques into various health care programs. The following resources can help you learn more about relaxation techniques, muscle relaxers, and other treatments and locate health care facilities that include them as part of their practice:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Muscle Relaxers List Team Quote:
“Every patient carries her or his own doctor inside”
Albert Schweitzer, known for Music, Philanthropy and Theology.