Types Of Muscle Relaxers
What are the different types of muscle relaxers? Muscle relaxers are generally used to treat muscle pains. Though they have a good effect of relieving such pains, they also come with certain side effects, so before ingesting them these should be taken into consideration to avoid certain complications.
Soma- This is one of the types of muscle relaxers that are used for the treatment of total muscle pain. Soma also known as carisoprodol, is very addictive spasmolytic and may cause withdrawal symptoms especially if stopped quickly, so it is prescribed for short term periods only. It is a tablet prepared in 350 mg that can be administered orally three times to four times daily with food or without. Its side effects may include headache, dizziness, vomiting, upset stomach, rapid heartbeat and drowsiness.
Alcohol or some depressive drugs should be avoided as these can compound the sedative effect of the relaxer. Those that should avoid taking this drug include those who are nursing, pregnant, epileptic, with liver and kidney disease.
Metaxalone- Administered orally three times to four times daily, this is one of the types of muscle relaxers commonly prescribed to treat muscle related discomforts. This is not so addictive compared to some spasmolytics. Its usual side effects are dizzy spells and marked drowsiness. Some patients have complaints of headaches, nausea and intestinal discomfort.
Valium- Usually used for sedation and anxiety, Valium also called diazepam is one of the types of muscle relaxers that can be prescribed to treat muscle spasms usually on the low back part. Though it can reduce sleeping problems and anxiety, it can cause some side effects such as the difficulty in reverting to usual sleeping habits at the time the drug is not taken anymore. It is only taken for short periods as only for two weeks or one since it is one of the types of muscle relaxers that is known to be highly addictive. Its ordinary side effects can include extreme drowsiness, rash, blurred vision, nausea, vertigo, slurred speech, depression, confusion, diarrhea, dry mouth, shuffling walk, appetite changes, upset stomach and tiredness. It can also have strong side effects such as dependency, jaundice, psychosis, depression, difficulty in breathing, and the kind of blood pressure that is low. This can be administered in two forms either in liquid or pill and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Flexeril- Flexeril with the generic name of cyclobenzaprine, is one of the types of muscle relaxers which is taken two times to four times daily. This is not so addictive compared to some spasmolytics. This type is known to relieve low back pains and prescribed for three weeks. The usual side effects of Flexeril may include confusion, impaired thinking, dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, fatigue, dizziness and upset stomach. Its side effects that are considered serious may include seizures, irregular heartbeat, fever, chest pain and stroke. This is one of the types of muscle relaxers that is not prescribed for those with overactive thyroid, heart failures, problems urinating and glaucoma.
Skelaxin-With the generic name of metaxalone, Skelaxin is one of the types of muscle relaxers that is taken three times to four times daily. Its ordinary side effects may include drowsiness, nervousness, headache, vomiting, nausea, stomach upset and dizziness. It has strong side effects that are very rare but it is not prescribed for those with anemia, liver disease and serious kidney disease.
