Experts worry that muscle relaxants may not help much and could cause troubling side effects, especially in older patients. This medication is typically used 4 times a day. is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Think of trying this first, as it is less sedating than other options, like cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol. The more common side effects of centrally acting SMRs include:You should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of these medications for the treatment of your muscle spasms. Be sure to call your doctor if you:It’s important to treat both spasticity and muscle spasms. Prescription drugs can help relieve the pain and discomfort from muscle spasms or spasticity. Interestingly, 5 mg three times a day has been Cyclobenzaprine is a reasonable first choice because it’s a cheap generic, but the sedation side effect limits its use during the day. Oh, and are they affordable?In recent studies where it was used for up to 8 days, that took methocarbamol had complete pain relief (compared to 18% who took nothing) — and that was without any serious side effects. “I think it was generally believed that opioids and skeletal muscle relaxants are useful therapy when combined with NSAIDs for acute low back pain,” Dr. Friedman said. Can cannabis be used to treat muscle spasticity or spasm?If you’re being treated for MS and still have muscle spasms or spasticity, adding cannabis may help. And muscle spasms can not only be uncomfortable, they can also be a sign of an underlying medical problem.Your muscle spasms or spasticity are likely treatable with rest, physical therapy, medications, or all of the above. They also come as chewable tablets for children. We've sent a link to download the GoodRx mobile app to your phone.GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the pharmacies identified in Its effects can be felt within 1 hour. Antispasmodics are used to treat muscle spasms, and antispastics are used to treat muscle spasticity. NSAIDs are available in generic and brand-name versions. Your first-line treatment will still be over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) a… Work with your doctor to put together a care plan that can ease your pain and get you moving comfortably again. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In tends to have fewer side effects — but they both work just as well. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose an OTC treatment.NSAIDs work by blocking your body from making certain substances that cause inflammation and pain. Norgesic is available in generic form. Muscle relaxants have been shown to help relieve this pain and get you through these tough days. The more common side effects of acetaminophen can include nausea and upset stomach.You can often manage your muscle spasm or spasticity symptoms on your own, but in some cases, you may need medical advice or care. Generally, it is used only as needed. The more common side effects of cannabis include dizziness, vomiting, urinary tract infections, and a relapse of MS. Also, limited information is available about drug interactions and other usage warnings. Clonidine should not be used with other muscle relaxants. It works by acting directly on … Antispastics are used to treat muscle spasticity. has the fewest reported side effects and lowest sedation potential of the muscle relaxants based on clinical studies. Dantrolene: Dantrolene (Dantrium) is used to treat muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, or MS. Some antispasmodics, such as tizanidine, can be used to treat muscle spasticity. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Skeletal muscle relaxants are centrally acting agents that work by reducing the tone of skeletal muscle causing muscle to relax. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It’s not fully known how gabapentin works to relieve muscle spasticity. Skeletal muscle relaxant combinations are products, which have a muscle relaxant and drugs such as pain relief medicines, in one pill. This medication is typically used for pain or for muscle spasms. Talk to your doctor about whether it’s a good option for you. For instance, taking clonidine with tizanidine can cause very low blood pressure.Clonidine is available in brand-name and generic versions.Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant drug typically used to relieve seizures. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription Some patients who take Zetia experience muscle pain, especially if Zetia is taken in combination with statins. Some antispasmodics, such as tizanidine, can be used to treat muscle spasticity. All rights reserved. its price comparisons. Spasticity is where the muscles undergo continuous contraction, which leads to tightness and stiffness. Muscle Relaxers/Relaxants Muscle relaxants help relieve pain and other symptoms caused by muscle spasms and muscle spasticity, There are many different types available, including over-the-counter (OTC), prescription, off-label, and natural muscle relaxants.