Highlighting the Side Effects of Muscle Relaxants

Side effects are problems that occur when treatmentExamples of muscle relaxantsare carisoprodol (Soma),
goes beyond thedesired effect or problems that occurchlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte DSC),cyclobenzaprine
in addition to the desiredtherapeutic effect.(Flexeril), and methocarbamol (Robaxin).
When side effects of necessary medication areMuscle relaxants are usually prescribed along with rest,
severe, sometimes asecond medication, lifestyleexercise,physical therapy, or other treatments.
change, dietary change, or othermeasure may help toAlthough the drugs mayprovide relief, they should
minimize them. Drug manufacturers are requiredto listnever be considered a substitute forthese other forms
all known side effects of their products.of treatment. These drugs may make the injuryfeel so
Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts,much better that one is tempted to go back to
hair loss,and mouth sores are instances of side effectsnormalactivity, but doing too much too soon can
of cancer treatmentthat occur in addition to theactually make the injuryworse.
desired therapeutic effect. Ahemorrhage from the useOther common side effects or muscle relaxants are
of too much anticoagulant (such as heparin)is a sidevision changes,such as double vision or blurred vision;
effect caused by treatment going beyond thelightheadedness;drowsiness; and dry mouth. These
desiredeffect. As with all drugs, some people reactproblems usually go away as thebody adjusts to the
badly toantidepressants, while side effects can seemdrug and do not require medical treatment.
quite mild in others.Side-effects of muscle relaxants increase the
The irony here of course is that, helpful assymptom that the drugwas supposed to control. This
antidepressants may befor some people at somemay lead people to take ever more ofa
times, these side effects can be verydepressing insymptom-producing drug in an effort to control that
themselves.symptom.
Because no one antidepressant has been proven toMuscle relaxants may interact with some other
be any moreeffective than any other, the choice ofmedicines. When thishappens, the effects of one or
which drug to prescribeoften rests on their differentboth of the drugs may change or therisk of side
side effects.effects of muscle relaxants may be greater. Anyone
Drowsiness or dizziness, possible addiction orwhoplans to take muscle relaxants should let the
dependence, drymouth or urinary retention are somephysician know allother medicines, including
of the possible side effects ofmuscle relaxants.over-the-counter or nonprescriptionmedicines, that he
Muscle relaxants are often prescribed in the treatmentor she is taking.
of acute lowback pain in an attempt to improve theEvery medication contains chemicals that may cause
initial limitations in rangeof motion from muscle spasmside effects.
and to interrupt the pain-spasm-paincycle. LimitingSome side effects are physical, such as nausea or
muscle spasm and improving range of motionblurred vision,and some side effects affect mood and
willprepare the patient for therapeutic exercise. Muscleemotions. If someone has amental disorder, why not
relaxants workby acting on the central nervouscheck if medications cause the symptoms.
system. In the United States, theyare available onlyList what medications are taken, and compare the
with a physician's prescription. Some musclerelaxantsmedication historyto the symptom history. Ask medical
are available in Canada without a prescription. Mostprofessionals about the sideeffects of any drugs that
comeonly in tablet form. However, methocarbamolthey prescribe for you or your family.
(Robaxin) is availablein both tablet and injectable forms.