MUSCLE RELAXANTS

Laurice Mitchell

What are muscle relaxants?

Used to relax or decrease the tone of skeletal muscles.

Muscles responsible for voluntary movement.

Works on the central nervous system.

Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs

Blocks the transmission of nervous signals to the muscle.

Used during surgery.

Does not block the sensation of pain.

Other Muscle Relaxants

Relax muscle to lesser degree. Used to manage seizure, muscle spasms,

or pain associated with muscle injuries.

Availability

Prescription only in the United State Some can be bought in Canada without

prescription.

Side Effects

Risk of dependence Impaired

movement and coordination

Dry mouth

Light headed Blurred vision Less alert

Muscle Relaxants

Carisoprodol (Soma) Chloroxazone (Parafon Forte DSC) Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Substance abuse and dependence

Increasing problem About 1% of American adults are taking

muscle relaxants Majority have developed a habit.

High Doses

Buzz Sense of euphoria Mood enhancement Pleasant

misperceptions

History of abuse

In the 90’s several members of hospital staff was charged with murder.

Overdosed on two muscle relaxants Muscle relaxants were pulled off the

market.

Statistics

In 2006, 16.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

More than 6.3 Million American reported current use of prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes in 2003.-