Although grouped under a single drug class, skeletal muscle relaxants are a heterogeneous group of structurally unrelated medications with variable pharmacologic and safety profiles. Approximately 2 million Americans, including more than , people over 60 years of age, are prescribed muscle relaxants. Spasticity and spasms are distinct etiologies, and each condition responds differently to certain medications. In this article, the authors review the etiologies of, and treatment options for, painful spasticity and muscle spasm. Table 1 highlights the basic differences between spasticity and spasms, including the etiology, symptoms, causes, and FDA-approved therapies.
Common AEs reported during clinical trials included nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, flatulence, dry mouth, and weight loss. Young RR. Minneapolis, MN. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider. The U. Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. A solid understanding of your therapeutic options is a strong defense against back pain.
Nondepolarizing agents, such as tubocurarine, block the agonist, acetylcholine, from binding to nicotinic receptors and activating them, thereby preventing depolarization. In many research trials, cannabis has been shown to be effective alone and in combination with other treatments for reducing muscle spasticity symptoms. Curr Ther Res. They can work wonders for milder conditions like neck and lower back pain. Acetylcholine then diffuses across the synaptic cleft. Non-depolarizing Curare alkaloids Alcuronium Dimethyltubocurarine Tubocurarine. McGraw Hill.