Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants are medicines that reduce muscle tone. The complaints for which muscle relaxants are used may occur as a result of a sprain, overuse or other muscle injury.

A muscle relaxant reduces muscle tone and lowers stiffness in the muscles. This does not, of course, address the cause of the complaint. It is therefore advisable to have a GP or physiotherapist look further into the cause of the complaints.

What are muscle relaxants used for?

It is common practice for the GP to prescribe muscle relaxants, for example, for back problems such as lumbago or a herniated disc. The most prescribed muscle-relaxing medicines are Diazepam and Tramadol. Both have a different mode of action, and the combination of the two medicines is often chosen to optimise the treatment of the muscles.

Diazepam belongs to the group of medicines known as benzodiazepines. These medicines inhibit the activity of neurones in the brain. In this way, they have a calming effect on the body and relax the muscles. Diazepam is mainly prescribed for tension, restlessness, insomnia, and muscle cramps.

Tramadol is a medicine that acts directly on the central nervous system and inhibits pain pathways. Tramadol is frequently prescribed for joint pain, nerve pain, and severe muscle pain, especially when milder pain medication such as paracetamol does not help sufficiently.

What are possible side effects of muscle relaxants?

Muscle-relaxing medicines have a strong effect on the body, and, unfortunately, side effects come with that. Frequently occurring side effects of diazepam are drowsiness, fatigue, and reduced reaction time. These side effects occur in more than 30 out of 100 people. With daily use of diazepam, or if you experience the aforementioned side effects, driving is strictly forbidden.

Tramadol may also cause side effects besides the desired effect. Common side effects are drowsiness, sleepiness, nausea, and reduced concentration. These side effects are seen in 10 to 30 out of 100 people, and driving is, in any case, prohibited during the first two weeks. After this period, it depends on any ongoing side effects.

Where are muscle relaxants available?

Diazepam has been on the market since 1961 and is only available on prescription. Well-known brands that contain diazepam are Stesolid and Diazemuls. It is also available generically under the name diazepam and is available as injections, enemas, and tablets.

Tramadol has existed since 1977 and is only available on prescription. It is produced as effervescent tablets, dispersible tablets, capsules, suppositories, drops, and injections. Examples of medicines with the active substance tramadol are Tramagetic and Tramal. It is also available as generic tramadol.