Relaxation drugs: Classifications, risks, safety considerations, and further insights
Antispastic medications are a crucial tool in managing muscle spasms and tightness, particularly those caused by neurological conditions. These medications work by affecting the spinal cord or skeletal muscles, with the aim of reducing muscle spasms.
Common Antispastic Medications
Diazepam (Valium, Diastat)
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine antispasmodic, commonly used for severe muscle spasms and spasticity associated with neurological disorders. The recommended dosage is 2-10 milligrams (mg) orally three or four times a day.
Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Methocarbamol is an over-the-counter, nonbenzodiazepine antispasmodic medication. It is often prescribed for muscle spasms, with the guidelines suggesting a dosage of 6 grams a day for the first 48-72 hours of treatment, though a doctor may recommend taking 8 grams in this period if the issue is severe. Afterward, a doctor usually recommends lowering the dosage to about 4 grams a day.
Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Tizanidine is another antispasmodic medication, with both antispasmodic and antispastic effects. It is used to help manage spasticity from multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injuries.
Baclofen (Lioresal)
Baclofen is used for managing spasticity in people with flexor spasms, clonus, spinal cord lesions, MS, and is available in oral and intrathecal forms.
Dantrolene (Dantrium, Revonto, Ryanodex)
Dantrolene can help ease muscle spasticity, with a maximum daily dosage of 400 mg.
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix, Fexmid)
Cyclobenzaprine is a nonbenzodiazepine antispasmodic, used to treat muscle spasms that occur with acute muscle conditions. The recommended dosage is typically 5 mg three times a day.
Metaxalone
Metaxalone is a nonbenzodiazepine antispasmodic, used in combination with rest, physical therapy, and other nondrug treatment strategies for painful muscle conditions.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions
It is important to note that combining certain medications, such as opioids with diazepam, can lead to serious side effects. These include respiratory depression, enhanced sedation, increased risk of abuse and misuse, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of adverse outcomes such as drug-related mortality and respiratory complications.
When prescribing these medications, doctors should follow guidelines to minimise these risks, such as reserving concurrent use for cases where alternative treatments are insufficient, opting for the lowest effective dosages, and closely monitoring patients for signs of respiratory depression and excessive sedation.
Patients and caregivers should also be informed about the risks associated with these combinations.
Caution and Consultation
Before taking any muscle relaxer, including over-the-counter options, it is crucial to consult a doctor as they may not be appropriate for all types of muscle conditions. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding dosage and usage.
Unproven Potential of Cannabis
While cannabis may have muscle relaxant effects, there is very scarce evidence of this potential effect, possibly due to the widespread prohibition of the cultivation, supply, and possession of cannabis.
[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Benzodiazepines and Opioids. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/benzodiazepines/benzodiazepines-opioids
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Opioid Overdose Reversal. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-reversal
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Prescription Opioids. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioids-other-than-heroin
[5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/opioid-overdose-prevention-toolkit
- The predictive use of antispastic medications is beneficial in managing chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, and diabetes.
- Medical conditions such as bipolar, migraine, and arthritis can also benefit from these therapeuties and treatments.
- Dry eyes, a symptom associated with certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, can be managed using medications like tizanidine and baclofen.
- Dantrolene can prove beneficial in managing muscle spasms related to chronic diseases like anthrax.
- Marijuanause, a temporary side effect of marijuana use, might be relieved using antispastic medications, although more research is required.
- In some cases, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's can lead to muscle spasms and tightness, for which antispastic medications could be a potential solution.
- Psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, can be managed using antispastic medications alongside nutrition and fitness-and-exercise.
- Depression, a common mental health condition, can sometimes present with physical symptoms like muscle tightness, for which antispastic medications may offer relief.
- Macular degeneration, a condition affecting the eye, can cause dryness and discomfort, which could potentially be eased with antispastic medications.
- The science behind the predictive use of antispastic medications for medical-conditions extends beyond just muscle spasms, touching upon health-and-wellness in a holistic sense.
- CBD, a compound found in cannabis, is being researched for its potential benefits in managing various chronic diseases and mental health conditions.
- It is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions of antispastic medications, especially when combined with certain drugs such as opioids.
- Always consult a doctor before taking any muscle relaxant, whether it's a prescription medication or an over-the-counter option.
- As research continues, our understanding of the potential uses and benefits of antispastic medications for various chronic diseases and mental health conditions will likely grow.
