Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers are medications that reduce tension in the
muscles. These medications are intended to temporarily treat
muscle strain from an injury. They can also be used to treat
long-term medical conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral
Palsy, or spinal injury. Muscle relaxers require a prescription
for use.
It’s important to remember that giving someone else muscle relaxers can cause the
person harm. Each prescription takes into account a person’s medical conditions,
medical history, and current medications taken.
Medications classified as muscle relaxants include:
Generic:
Brand Name:
Baclofen
Gablofen®
Carisoprodol
Soma®
Cyclobenzaprine
Flexeril®
Diazepam
Valium®
Metaxalone
Skelaxin®
Methocarbamol
Robaxin®
What can happen when muscle relaxers are taken inappropriately?
Taking more of a muscle relaxer than directed can have several negative
consequences, including:
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dry mouth
bizarre dreams
forgetfulness
lingering grogginess
urinary retention
addiction
death
Muscle relaxers can slow the rate of breathing and the depth a person breathes
while sleeping. Taking too many muscle relaxers at one time or taking them with
other sedatives like alcohol or sleep aids can cause a person to stop breathing.
How can misuse of muscle relaxers aids be prevented?
If you’re taking a muscle relaxer, these steps can help prevent a medication
poisoning:
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Always follow the dosing directions prescribed by your doctor.
Don’t share your medication with others. Some drug interactions can be life
threatening.
Make sure all medications are out of the reach of all of the children living in
or visiting your home.
Be very cautious to avoid accidently taking extra doses when you have
already taken a dose.
Call Carolinas Poison Center, your doctor, or your pharmacy if you have questions
about your muscle relaxers or possible drug interactions with other medications.
You don’t have to wait for a problem to arise before calling Carolinas Poison Center.
You can call with questions, too.
What should you do if you or someone you know has taken a muscle
relaxer incorrectly?
If the person is not breathing or not responsive, call 911 immediately. Otherwise,
you can call Carolinas Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for medication assistance
from our specially trained nurses and pharmacists 24 hours a day.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, click here to find a
treatment facility: http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help.