Comparative efficacy and safety of skeletal muscle relaxants for spasticity and musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review
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- Treatment of muscle relaxant overdose consists of symptomatic and supportive care.
- As drug information can and will change at any time, RxList.com makes every effort to update its drug information.
- Flexeril, also known as Cyclobenzaprine, Amrix, and Fexmid, is also a drug belonging to the same class and is used orally.
- Baclofen is a prescription pain reliever that is used to treat pain and spasticity caused by spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other spinal cord illnesses.
Cyclobenzaprine was originally intended for use as an antidepressant (8). As such, if you’re on other antidepressants while taking cyclobenzaprine, your doctor should closely monitor your treatment course (8). You shouldn’t use cyclobenzaprine if you have hyperthyroidism, arrhythmias, heart failure, heart conduction issues, or are recovering from a heart attack (8).
Baclofen vs. Flexeril: Choosing the Best Option for Your Muscle Pain and Spasms
Muscle relaxants are known to cause central nervous system side effects in the outpatient setting and are relatively contraindicated in individuals at high-risk for delirium. However, there are no known studies investigating their side effects in the postoperative setting. Selection of a skeletal muscle relaxant should be individualized to the patient.
Baclofen withdrawal can be life-threatening with possible multi-organ failure and psychological symptoms (2, 12). Baclofen and Flexeril have similar side effects, for example, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and nausea. Side effects of baclofen that are different from Flexeril include weakness, vomiting, low blood pressure, insomnia, and seizures. Side effects of Flexeril that are different from baclofen include dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision, acid reflux, nervousness, and stomach or belly pain. Your healthcare provider and/or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how to take the medication. Treatment of muscle relaxant overdose consists of symptomatic and supportive care.
Both Flexeril vs. Baclofen can have minor, moderate, or major interactions, leading to extreme side effects or even death. Since both of these drugs affect the skeletal muscles, they are not available over the counter; they shouldn’t be taken lightly. These drugs can help relieve muscular pain symptoms, but they come with their range of side effects. Therefore, there needs to be a closer look at Flexeril vs. Baclofen to weigh out the side effects of each. If you feel that you’re dependent on carisoprodol or diazepam or your prescribed dosage isn’t helping to manage your symptoms, don’t take more than your recommended dosage. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of baclofen tablet in the elderly.
Baclofen is used for treating spasm of skeletal muscles, muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain caused by disorders such as multiple sclerosis. It is also injected into the spinal cord (intrathecal) for management of severe spasticity. Muscle relaxants are a somewhat common prescription due to the frequency of acute and chronic back pain.
If there are tender spots over the muscle or trigger points on physical examination, a skeletal muscle relaxant is a reasonable adjunct to analgesic treatment of low back pain. Skeletal muscle relaxants may also be used as an alternative to NSAIDs in patients who are at risk of gastrointestinal or renal complications. Generally, cyclobenzaprine is more effective in treating acute musculoskeletal pain due to an injury in the back or neck. Chronic pain from muscle spasticity related to neurological disease or injury responds best to baclofen.
The Relative Efficacy of Seven Skeletal Muscle Relaxants. An Analysis of Data From Randomized Studies
Unlike Flexeril which works for specific injuries, Baclofen works better for chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, a spinal cord injury, or a spinal cord disease. It is always important to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking so they can be aware of side effects and drug interactions. It may also be used off label to treat conditions like Tourette’s Syndrome and hiccups.
Efficacy, acceptability, and safety of muscle relaxants for adults with … – The BMJ
Efficacy, acceptability, and safety of muscle relaxants for adults with ….
Posted: Thu, 08 Jul 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Based on the response, the dose can be increased by 5 mg every three days to a maximum of 80 mg/day in divided doses. Chemically, baclofen is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring flexeril.live neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA released by some nerves causes the activity of other nerves to decrease.
Muscle Relaxants (Toxicity)
This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Sep 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 28 Aug 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Aug 2023) and others. Any missing drug warnings or information does not in any way guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or the lack of adverse effects of any drug.