From the Guidelines
Common muscle relaxers include benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, and non-benzodiazepines, like carisoprodol and tizanidine.
Types of Muscle Relaxers
- Benzodiazepines: diazepam, tetrazepam 1
- Non-benzodiazepines: carisoprodol, tizanidine, baclofen, dantrolene, chlorzoxazone 1
Key Characteristics
- Benzodiazepines are associated with a higher risk of central nervous system adverse events, such as somnolence, fatigue, and lightheadedness 1
- Carisoprodol is a centrally acting muscle relaxant with substantial barbiturate-like biological action and has numerous adverse effects, including sedation, seizures, and drug dependence 1
- Tizanidine is an antispasticity drug that has been well-studied for low back pain, but other medications in the skeletal muscle relaxant class have limited evidence for efficacy and safety 1
From the Research
Common Muscle Relaxers
- Metaxalone 2
- Cyclobenzaprine 2, 3, 4, 5
- Carisoprodol 2, 3, 4
- Baclofen 3, 5
- Tizanidine 3, 4, 5
- Dantrolene 3, 5
- Orphenadrine 3
- Methocarbamol 3, 4
- Chlorzoxazone 3
- Diazepam 5
Muscle Relaxers for Specific Conditions
- For spasticity: baclofen, tizanidine, and dantrolene 3
- For musculoskeletal conditions: cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, orphenadrine, and tizanidine 3
- For cerebral palsy: baclofen, dantrolene, diazepam, cyclobenzaprine, and tizanidine 5
Considerations for Choosing a Muscle Relaxant
- Efficacy: cyclobenzaprine has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions 4
- Side effects: metaxalone has the fewest reports of side effects 2, while cyclobenzaprine and tizanidine may cause sedation and anticholinergic side effects 2, 3, 4
- Abuse potential: carisoprodol has a significant potential for physical and psychological dependence 2