What Are Muscle Relaxants
Skeletal muscle relaxants are prescribed for muscle spasms, back pain, and certain musculoskeletal conditions. They are commonly dispensed in both retail and hospital pharmacies, and familiarity with common products is useful for the PTCE.
Common Muscle Relaxants
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix) - one of the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxants, used for short-term relief of muscle spasms
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin) - another commonly prescribed option, also available OTC in some formulations
- Baclofen - used for muscle spasticity, particularly in neurological conditions
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex) - used for muscle spasticity, can cause drowsiness and low blood pressure
Key Counseling Points
Most muscle relaxants cause drowsiness and may impair alertness. Patients should be cautioned about driving and operating machinery. These medications are often prescribed for short-term use and may be combined with other pain management strategies.
Controlled vs Non-Controlled Status
Most common muscle relaxants are not controlled substances, though carisoprodol (Soma) is a notable exception. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. Knowing which muscle relaxants are controlled versus non-controlled is a testable distinction on the PTCE.
Exam Focus
For the PTCE, recognize common muscle relaxant generic/brand pairs, know that drowsiness is the primary side effect concern, and remember that carisoprodol is the controlled substance in this group. This is a relatively small drug class that can be learned quickly with focused study.