Muscle relaxers are a type of prescription drug used to lessen muscle pain. While there are many different muscle relaxers names, doctors prescribe nearly all of them on a short-term basis only. This is because muscle relaxers are addictive sedatives.
Not all muscle relaxers work the same way, but the majority of these drugs block nerve signals to the muscles. This prevents spasms so that the muscle can heal. However, it’s this sedative effect that makes the drugs so addictive in nature.
Muscle Relaxers Names
There are many different muscle relaxers names out there. Doctors prescribe each one for slightly different problems. Most importantly, though, is that all of these drugs have addiction potential. Below are some of the more common muscle relaxers that doctors prescribe to patients:
- Baclofen – This muscle relaxer reduces muscle spasms and tightness. Doctors prescribe this medication to reduce stabbing nerve pain and to help with sclerosis. Kids as young as 12 years old may get a prescription for Baclofen. Side effects can include weakness in the muscles, confusion, vomiting and drowsiness.
- Diazepam – A brand name for this drug is Valium. Along with treating muscle spasms, it reduces anxiety. Doctors typically prescribe this drug for only a week or two because of its habit-forming nature. It’s a depressant and can worsen depression in some cases.
- Carisoprodol – This is another muscle relaxer that’s habit-forming. It reduces stiffness and pain in the muscles. Carisoprodol is even more addictive when people mix it with alcohol. In pill form, sometimes this drug is available in combination with codeine or aspirin combinations.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Just like any drug, people experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using muscle relaxers after an extended period of use. Some of the most common pain pill withdrawal symptoms include seizures, tremors, insomnia and anxiety. These withdrawal symptoms are worse if the person has been taking muscle relaxers with other drugs such as alcohol.
Extended use of muscle relaxers can cause damage to certain organs in the body. Over time, most muscle relaxers damage the kidneys and liver. This is why doctors only prescribe muscle relaxers for a short period of time.
Pinnacle Peak Recovery Can Help
Fighting addiction of any kind is difficult to do alone. Thankfully, Pinnacle Peak Recovery is here to help you or a loved one battle addiction. We do this by involving the family in your recovery. This includes family therapy and educating your family on addiction.
Some of the treatment programs and services that we provide at Pinnacle Peak Recovery for issues such as opioid addiction include:
- Addiction interventions
- Outpatient rehab
- Sober living
- Therapy
If you or a loved one is suffering from muscle relaxer addiction, don’t wait to get help. Contact us at 866-377-4761, and let us come up with a personalized treatment plan that fits your individual needs.