Types of Muscle Relaxers Abused
Siobhan Morse, the Executive Director of the National Institute of Holistic Addiction Studies discusses the types of muscle relaxers abused.
What is the prescribed use of a muscle relaxer?
Muscle relaxers by definition are a group of drugs that are used to relieve muscle pain and spasms. The pain can range from mild to severe pain. Most times muscle relaxers are prescribed in addition to physical therapy.
There are several different types of muscle relaxants. The type of muscle relaxers that completely block transmission of nervous signals to the muscles are called neuromuscular blockers.
Types of Muscle Relaxers Abused
Muscle Relaxant Abuse Facts
When abused, muscle relaxers are rarely taken alone. In most cases they are used in combination with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol benzodiazepines, or narcotics. The relaxants prolong the effect of alcohol or narcotics or even increase the effects.
Additionally, prescriptions for skeletal muscle relaxants are usually easier to obtain than prescriptions for narcotics. They are also less expensive.
Withdrawal symptoms of muscle relaxants include anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and occasionally, hallucinations or seizures.
Common muscle relaxers include:
- Soma
- Flexeril
- Naprosyn
- Baclofen
- Diazepam
- Robaxin
- Norflex
Side effects of muscle relaxants include:
- sedation
- drowsiness
- blurred vision
- possible dependency
- respiratory failure
- discoloration of urine
Precautions When Using Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants work by masking the pain while allowing the muscle to heal.
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.
Types of Muscle Relaxers Abused
Click Here to Download a PDF version of this report.
[powerpress]
Do you have more questions about drug abuse and addiction?
Our experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day to take your call and get you the help or information you need. Call our Toll-Free Recovery Hotline at 1-800-839-1682 and discover the best treatment options for you.
Our drug rehab center offers a unique and affordable holistic approach to addiction treatment.
Our holistic addiction and treatment program has helped addicts from all over the United States, Europe and Canada overcome their substance addictions and achieve long term recovery. We treat the individual’s specific needs, including working with families.
