Muscle relaxants, by definition, are a group of drugs that are used to relieve muscle pain and spasms. The pain can range from very mild to severe pain. Most times, muscle relaxants are prescribed in addition to physical therapy. There are several different types of muscle relaxants. The type of muscle relaxers that completely block the transmission of nervous signals to the muscles are called "neuromuscular-blockers."

Common Muscle Relaxers

Use of this type of muscle relaxer results in complete paralysis and is typically used when doctors are performing some type of serious surgery. Because the neuromuscular blocking drugs can paralyze the muscles used to breathe, it is important to have mechanical ventilation available during the surgery in case the patient stops breathing. Other types of muscle relaxers are used to relieve muscle spasms in the back or other areas of the body that may be injured or strained.


Common Muscle Relaxers Include:

• Soma
• Flexeril
• Naprosyn
• Baclofen
• Diazepam
• Robaxin
• Norflex

Side Effects Include:

• Sedation
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Possible dependency
• Respiratory failure
• Discoloration of urine

The medication works by masking the pain you are healing, while allowing the muscle to heal itself. The combination of muscle relaxers and other drugs can be extremely dangerous or fatal. It is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking any prescription medications, especially alcohol.