There are no over-the-counter (OTC) muscle relaxants in the United States. But some OTC medications can help muscle issues (like soreness), such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen.
The first line of treatment for muscle spasms and muscle pain is over-the-counter medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen).
Succinylcholine. Succinylcholine is the only depolarizing muscle relaxant.
No muscle relaxers are available over the counter in the U.S., but some OTC medications can have muscle-relaxing effects. These include guaifenesin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen.
Magnesium. Magnesium plays a major role in the tissue and muscle health in any part of your body. While calcium helps generate contractions in the muscles, magnesium is in charge of helping muscles relax after said contractions.
You can also help relax muscles by mixing a few drops of frankincense and cypress essential oils with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) or natural unscented lotion and applying the mixture to the area of concern.
Several different herbs and herbal supplements may help alleviate anxiety symptoms, helping you to relax and feel calmer. Some of the more well-known varieties include: Lavender. Lemon balm. Chamomile.
Home remedies for muscle aches
Rest: Rest the affected area and discontinue the activity that caused the injury. Ice: Use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Apply ice to the area for 15–20 minutes three times a day. Compression: Use a compression bandage to help reduce swelling.
Magnesium relaxes arterial smooth muscle by decreasing intracellular Ca2+ without changing intracellular Mg2+.
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). Also used are bromazepam (Lectopam), oxazepam (Serax), chlordiazepoxide (once marketed as Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and diazepam (Valium).
Anticholinergic agents (dicyclomine, hyoscyamine, cimetroprium bromide, belladonna, propantheline), calcium channel blockers (pinaverium bromide, otilonium bromide, mebeverine), and opioid agonists (trimebutine) all display antispasmodic activity by reducing the excessive contractility of smooth-muscle cells.
TYLENOL® Back Pain caplets contain effective pain relief plus a muscle relaxant to relieve and relax painful back muscles. For effective relief of: Back pain.
Vitamin D deficiency causes muscle hyperinnervation by unmyelinated CGRP-ir axons.
Pain relievers do not essentially relax the muscles, but only improve pain caused by overstretching.
The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 1 or 2 caplets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours unless directed by your doctor. If your symptoms last longer than 5 days, you should consult your doctor.
If you have mild-to-moderate pain, paracetamol is often the best painkiller to try first. But NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can be better for pain associated with inflammation. You can switch to a different painkiller if the first one you try doesn't ease your pain.