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Browse drugs by prescription Muscle RelaxantStrains, sprains, and other muscle injuries can result in pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants do not heal the injuries, but they do relaxmuscles and help ease discomfort and stop muscle spasms. The muscle relaxantcyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is also sometimes used to treat fibromyalgia, a condition that involves aches, stiffness, and fatigue. Muscle relaxants work by acting on the central nervous system. In the UnitedStates, they are available only with a physician's prescription. Examples ofmuscle relaxants are carisoprodol (Soma), chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte DSC),cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and methocarbamol (Robaxin). Most come only in tablet form. However, methocarbamol (Robaxin) is available in both tablet and injectable forms. Some muscle relaxants are available in Canada without a prescription. Muscle relaxants are usually prescribed along with rest, exercise, physical therapy, or other treatments. Although the drugs may provide relief, they should never be considered a substitute for these other forms of treatment. Thesedrugs may make the injury feel so much better that one is tempted to go backto normal activity, but doing too much too soon can actually make the injuryworse. Muscle relaxants work quite well for relieving muscle pain due to injuries, but are not effective for other types of pain. Some people feel drowsy, dizzy,confused, lightheaded, or less alert when using muscle relaxants drugs. These drugs may also cause blurred vision, clumsiness, or unsteadiness. Because muscle relaxants work on the central nervous system, they may add tothe effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down the central nervous system. They may also add to the effects of anesthetics, including those used for dental procedures. For this reason, anyone who takes these drugs should notdrive, operate machinery, or do anything else that might be dangerous untilthey have found out how the drugs affect them.
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