Short & Long-Term Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers

Key Takeaways

• Muscle relaxers are prescription medications used to treat conditions like muscle spasms, back pain, and injuries.
• Short-term side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and fatigue.
• Long-term use can lead to dependence, tolerance, cognitive issues, and withdrawal symptoms.
• Combining muscle relaxers with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants can increase the risk of severe side effects, overdose, and respiratory depression.
• If you or a loved one is struggling with dependence on muscle relaxers, professional treatment is available at Virtue Recovery Houston.

 

Introduction

Muscle relaxers, also known as muscle relaxants, are medications commonly prescribed to relieve muscle spasms, tension, and pain. They are especially useful for lower back pain, neck injuries, and muscle strains. While muscle relaxers can be effective in the short term, they come with a range of potential side effects, both short-term and long-term.

Many people believe that because doctors prescribe muscle relaxers, they are entirely safe. However, when misused, used for extended periods, or combined with other substances, they can lead to serious health risks, including dependence and addiction. Understanding the side effects of muscle relaxers is crucial for anyone using these medications or caring for someone who is.

In this article, we’ll cover muscle relaxers’ short-term and long-term side effects, the risks of dependence and withdrawal, and when to seek professional help.

What Are Muscle Relaxers?

Muscle relaxers are medications designed to reduce muscle spasms, which are involuntary contractions of muscles that cause pain and discomfort. They work by affecting the central nervous system (CNS), either by blocking nerve signals to the brain or directly relaxing the muscles.

There are two main types of muscle relaxers:

1. Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants – These work on the brain and spinal cord to reduce muscle tension. Examples include:
   • Carisoprodol (Soma)
   • Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
   • Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
2. Direct-Acting Muscle Relaxants – These act directly on the muscle itself, such as dantrolene, which is used to treat severe muscle stiffness.

Muscle relaxers are usually prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks) because prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and other health issues.

Short-Term Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers

When used as prescribed, muscle relaxers can cause a variety of short-term side effects. These effects vary depending on the type of medication, the dose, and the person’s health condition.

Common Short-Term Side Effects:

• Drowsiness and Fatigue: Muscle relaxers have a sedative effect, making people feel sleepy or less alert. This can be dangerous when driving or operating machinery.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Many people feel unsteady or dizzy, especially when standing up quickly.
• Dry Mouth: A common but mild side effect, often causing discomfort.
• Blurred Vision: Some muscle relaxers can temporarily affect vision.
• Nausea or Upset Stomach: Digestive discomfort is a frequent complaint, especially when the medication is taken without food.

Serious Short-Term Side Effects (Seek Medical Help Immediately):

• Slow or Shallow Breathing: This can be a sign of an overdose, especially if combined with alcohol or opioids.
• Severe Drowsiness or Unresponsiveness: This may indicate dangerously high levels of the drug in the system.
• Fainting or Irregular Heartbeat: Can occur if the drug lowers blood pressure too much.
• Seizures: Rare but serious, often linked to misuse or overdose.

If you experience any severe symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Risks of Combining Muscle Relaxers with Other Substances

One of the most dangerous aspects of muscle relaxer use is combining them with other substances. Muscle relaxers are CNS depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity. When mixed with other depressants, the effects can become life-threatening.

Substances That Increase Risks:

• Alcohol: Combining alcohol with muscle relaxers increases sedation, slows breathing, and raises the risk of respiratory failure or overdose.
• Opioids: This combination is particularly dangerous and is a common cause of accidental overdose deaths.
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium): Can lead to severe drowsiness, coma, or death when mixed with muscle relaxers.

Always tell your doctor about any other medications or substances you’re using to avoid dangerous interactions.

Long-Term Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers

While muscle relaxers are generally prescribed for short-term use, some people continue using them for extended periods, either due to chronic pain or developing dependence. Long-term use can lead to serious health risks.

Physical Dependence and Tolerance:

• Dependence: The body adapts to the drug, requiring it to feel “normal.” Without it, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
• Tolerance: Over time, the medication becomes less effective, leading individuals to increase the dose, which raises the risk of overdose.

Cognitive and Mental Health Effects:

• Memory Problems: Long-term use can affect memory and concentration.
• Mood Changes: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, or irritability.
• Confusion: Especially common in older adults, increasing the risk of falls and accidents.

Increased Risk of Overdose:

The risk of accidental overdose increases with prolonged use, especially if combined with alcohol or other sedatives.

Muscle Relaxer Dependence and Addiction

While not everyone who uses muscle relaxers will become addicted, there’s a risk of dependence, especially with drugs like carisoprodol (Soma), which has a high potential for abuse.

Signs of Muscle Relaxer Dependence or Addiction:

• Craving the medication or feeling unable to function without it
• Using higher doses than prescribed
• “Doctor shopping” to get multiple prescriptions
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit

Dependence can develop even when following a prescription, which is why it’s important to monitor use and consult a doctor regularly.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment for Muscle Relaxer Dependence

If someone has been using muscle relaxers regularly, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if they’ve developed dependence.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Anxiety and Restlessness: Feeling on edge or irritable.
• Tremors or Muscle Cramps: A rebound effect after stopping the drug.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Sweating and Rapid Heartbeat: Physical signs of withdrawal stress.
• Seizures: In severe cases, especially with drugs like carisoprodol.

Why Medical Supervision is Important:

Withdrawal from muscle relaxers can be uncomfortable and dangerous. A medically supervised detox provides:

• Monitoring for severe symptoms like seizures or heart issues
• Medications to ease discomfort
• Emotional support to manage anxiety and cravings

If you or someone you know is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, seek professional help immediately.

When to Seek Medical Help

Call 911 or Seek Emergency Care If You Notice:

• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

Consult a Doctor If You Experience:

• Persistent confusion or memory issues
• Signs of dependence or addiction
• Unusual mood changes or depression

Safe Use of Muscle Relaxers: Tips for Minimizing Risks

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Never take more than prescribed.
• Avoid alcohol and other depressants while using muscle relaxers.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Use for short-term relief only, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Discuss any history of substance abuse with your doctor before starting muscle relaxers.

Conclusion

While muscle relaxers can provide relief from muscle spasms and pain, they come with potential risks, especially when used long-term or improperly. Short-term side effects like drowsiness and dizziness are common, but long-term use can lead to dependence, cognitive issues, and withdrawal symptoms.

If you or a loved one is struggling with muscle relaxer dependence or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, help is available. Virtue Recovery Houston offers comprehensive treatment for substance use disorders, including medical detox and therapy to support long-term recovery.

Call 866-457-4811 today to speak with a professional and start your recovery journey.

FAQs

What are the most common side effects of muscle relaxers?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and fatigue.

Can you become addicted to muscle relaxers?

Yes, especially with long-term use or misuse. Some muscle relaxers, like carisoprodol (Soma), have a high potential for dependence and addiction.

What happens if you take muscle relaxers with alcohol?

Combining muscle relaxers with alcohol can cause severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, unconsciousness, and even death.

How long can you safely take muscle relaxers?

Muscle relaxers are usually prescribed for short-term use, typically no more than 2-3 weeks. Long-term use increases the risk of side effects and dependence.

What should I do if I experience withdrawal symptoms from muscle relaxers?

Seek medical help immediately. Withdrawal can be dangerous, especially if symptoms like seizures, confusion, or breathing difficulties occur. Contact Virtue Recovery Houston at 866-457-4811 for professional support.

What are the common muscle relaxer side effects?

Common muscle relaxer side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, and confusion. These side effects may vary depending on the type of muscle relaxer prescribed.

Can I consume alcohol and muscle relaxers together?

It is not recommended to consume alcohol and muscle relaxers together, as this combination can increase the risk of drowsiness and other serious side effects. Always consult your doctor before mixing substances.

What are the muscle relaxer dangers associated with long-term use?

Long-term use of muscle relaxers can lead to increased tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, there may be risks of cognitive impairment and increased falls, especially in older adults.

What are the potential side effects of taking a muscle relaxant?

Potential side effects of taking a muscle relaxant include sedation, impaired coordination, and gastrointestinal disturbances. In some cases, serious side effects such as respiratory distress may occur.

How can withdrawal and treatment occur after stopping muscle relaxers?

Withdrawal from muscle relaxers may lead to symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Treatment often involves a gradual reduction of the medication under medical supervision to minimize withdrawal effects.

How do muscle relaxers work to alleviate back pain?

Muscle relaxers act as central nervous system depressants, reducing muscle tension and alleviating pain signals to your brain. This makes them effective in managing conditions like low back pain.

What are the serious side effects associated with muscle relaxers?

Serious side effects may include seizures, allergic reactions, and liver damage. If you experience symptoms like swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Is it safe to take muscle relaxers alone or with other medications?

Following your healthcare provider’s advice regarding using muscle relaxers alone or in combination with other medications is crucial. Mixing relaxers with other drugs can amplify side effects and risks.

What should I know about the long-term use of muscle relaxants?

The long-term use of muscle relaxants can lead to tolerance, dependency, and potential cognitive issues. It’s important to review your treatment plan with your healthcare provider regularly.

What are common muscle relaxers prescribed for muscle pain?

Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, and carisoprodol are common muscle relaxers. They are often prescribed for acute muscle pain and spasms but should be used with caution.

Resources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/muscle-relaxers

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601121.html

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3669814/