Some muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, chlorzoxazone, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, and orphenadrine) are avoided in older adults due to risk for sedation and falls. Others (tizanidine, baclofen, dantrolene) may be helpful for neck and back pain, with the most evidence for tizanidine and baclofen.
Serious side effects associated with their use include dizziness, falls, fractures, car accidents, dependence and overdose. Muscle relaxants pose a significant risk to people over 65, and the American Geriatrics Society advises against their use in this age group.
Similar to other agents in this class, chlorzoxazone can cause CNS side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and light-headedness, and use in the elderly population is generally not recommended.
The problem with muscle relaxants — and it's a big problem — is this: Although the drugs are effective and have been in use for decades, most of them work through the central nervous system, causing general sedation and not by targeting muscle tissue.
Some muscle relaxants (baclofen and tizanidine) can be used in older persons, again accounting for kidney and liver function. Opioids have limited use in common spine-related pain, but can be used with caution in cases that don't respond to treatment.
Metaxalone
Taken as 800 mg tablets 3 to 4 times a day, metaxalone (Skelaxin) has the fewest reported side effects. It's also the least likely of the muscle relaxants to make you sleepy. It may work better for chronic lower back pain that is flaring up, rather than for pain that is new.
AVOID Muscle Relaxants
They can leave you feeling groggy and confused, increase your risk of falls, and cause constipation, dry mouth, and problems urinating. Plus, there is little evidence that they work well.
In general, common side effects of muscle relaxants include: Drowsiness and fatigue. Dizziness. Nausea.
Who is Defined as Elderly? Typically, the elderly has been defined as the chronological age of 65 or older. People from 65 to 74 years old are usually considered early elderly, while those over 75 years old are referred to as late elderly.
However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, clumsiness, or unsteadiness) and age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving diazepam.
Muscle relaxers are not safe for everyone. Below, we describe the different types, recommended dosages for adults, and possible side effects. We also look into an over-the-counter (OTC) option and whether cannabis might help.
Muscle relaxants depress the central nervous system. This can cause extreme drowsiness and a sedative effect. Activities that require mental alertness and the operation of heavy machinery should be avoided while taking muscle relaxers.
Those times are when you are dealing with back muscle spasms or cramps caused by injury, muscle pain, fatigue, stress, and overuse in your neck or back. Having a muscle spasm means that one or more of your muscles is contracting, and the twitching or cramping is out of your control and can cause pain.
Magnesium is a mineral with an important role in muscle relaxation throughout the body. Due to its relaxing effect, it may be used to ease pelvic pain caused by tight or taut muscles.
“Naproxen [Aleve] and ibuprofen are better for inflammation and muscle strains. A bonus of Naproxen is you can take it twice a day versus every 4 to 6 hours like with acetaminophen. This can be more convenient for many people.”
Studies show that chamomile can help with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. While many of the studies on herbal supplements for anxiety are limited, the results are promising. You can find many of these (and other) supplements in capsule (pill) form. Many people also drink herbal teas to help them relax.
Acetaminophen: American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recommends acetaminophen as the first-line agent for mild to moderate chronic pain in the elderly [1] due to its favorable safety profile.
Effects on the heart warning: This drug may cause heart arrhythmias (heart rate or rhythm problems). Your risk may be higher if you take a drug to treat depression or if you already have heart problems. If these issues aren't treated, they can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
If you've ever had a back or neck muscle spasm, you know they can hurt, a lot. But taking muscle relaxants, especially every day, isn't a good idea, according to our experts at Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs.
Diazepam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. This medicine may also be used to treat certain seizure disorders and help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine.
When you have back pain, your doctor may recommend muscle relaxants—a group of drugs that are typically obtained with a doctor's prescription. These drugs have the potential to decrease tension and spasm within a sore muscle, which may reduce pain.