Are Muscle Relaxants Addictive?

Muscle relaxants can be addictive, though most aren’t considered controlled substances. Diazepam and carisoprodol are considered the most addictive types of muscle relaxants and have been classified as controlled substances by the DEA. [1] Prolonged use of muscle relaxers or higher doses of these prescription medications may increase the risk of abuse and dependence.

What Are Muscle Relaxants?

Muscle relaxants, also called muscle relaxers, are prescription medications used to treat musculoskeletal pain as well as muscle spasms and spasticity. Generally, there are two different types of muscle relaxers called antispasmodics and antispastics. [2]

Antispastics

Antispastics are typically prescribed to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke. Here are just three medications approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to treat muscle spasticity, including: [3] 

• Baclofen
• Tizanidine
• Dantrolene

Antispasmodics

Antispasmodics are types of muscle relaxants used to treat muscle spasms associated with health issues like lower back pain, tension headaches, and fibromyalgia. Twice as many medications are FDA-approved for muscle spasms, including: [4]

• Methocarbamol
• Carisoprodol
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Chlorzoxazone
• Metaxalone
• Orphenadrine

Antispasmodic/Antispastic Medications

There are two muscle relaxants that act as both antispasmodics and antispastics; these include: 

• Tizanidine
• Diazepam (Valium)

Common Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers

Different types of muscle relaxants may have different side effects, but there are some common overlaps. When you’re prescribed a muscle relaxant, you may experience some of the following side effects: [5]

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea

Some people experience more serious side effects, such as blurry vision or fainting. Be sure to report these and any other side effects that persist to your doctor.

Muscle Relaxer Abuse: Which Muscle Relaxants Are Most Addictive?

Any substance can be abused, but some muscle relaxants may be more addictive than others. Diazepam and carisoprodol, for instance, have been classified as Schedule IV controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration due to their potential for addiction and misuse. [6] While other muscle relaxers aren’t regulated, they may still pose a risk for psychological dependence. 

Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder

Not everyone who takes muscle relaxants will become addicted to these medications. Certain risk factors could make someone more susceptible to substance use disorder, including: [7] 

• A personal or family history of substance abuse 
• A history of adverse childhood experiences, including child abuse or neglect
• The presence of a mental health condition
• Access or exposure to addictive substances

Long-term use of muscle relaxants, especially in higher doses, may also increase the risk of developing a psychological or physical dependence. A doctor can help you determine your individual risk profile. 

Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder

If you or a loved one is taking muscle relaxants, it may be essential to know the signs of a substance use disorder so you can intervene if necessary. Warning signs and symptoms may include: [8]

• Experiencing intense cravings for muscle relaxants
• Having trouble controlling the amount of prescription muscle relaxers you take or for how long
• Spending a lot of time gaining access to muscle relaxants, using them, or recovering from their use
• Continuing to use muscle relaxants even though it’s causing problems in your life, including in relationships
• Continued use of muscle relaxers, even though it’s making a physical or mental health condition worse
• Using muscle relaxants in hazardous situations
• Trouble meeting deadlines or fulfilling responsibilities due to muscle relaxant use
• Trying unsuccessfully to cut back on muscle relaxants or stop using them altogether
• Needing to take more and more muscle relaxers to achieve the same effect
• Having withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking muscle relaxers for a period of time

According to the American Psychiatric Association, two or more of these symptoms point to a substance use disorder that requires professional help. Left unaddressed, this disorder typically progresses quickly and can be harder to treat. 

Can You Overdose on Muscle Relaxants?

It is possible to overdose on muscle relaxants. The risk of an overdose is higher if you misuse these prescription medications or take them for long periods of time in high doses. Symptoms of an overdose on muscle relaxers include: [9]

• Slow breathing
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Losing consciousness
• Heart attack
• Coma
• Death

Symptoms of a muscle relaxer overdose should be treated as a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. 

Safe Use of Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants can be a useful treatment when used responsibly and with caution. Here are some strategies you can use to reduce some of the risks of taking these prescription drugs: 

• Tell your doctor about any history of substance abuse in your family or other risk factors for addiction before accepting a prescription for these medications. 
• Take muscle relaxants only as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Never take a higher dose than prescribed, and don’t take them longer than directed. If you feel like the muscle relaxer isn’t working or you still have symptoms after treatment, consult with your doctor about next steps. 
• Never take a muscle relaxant without a prescription, and don’t take someone else’s prescription. 
• If you have a prescription for a muscle relaxer, don’t share it with anyone else. 
• Don’t drink alcohol while taking muscle relaxants, as doing so can increase the risk of severe side effects as well as other adverse effects. 
• If you begin to have symptoms of a substance use disorder while taking muscle relaxers, call your doctor right away.

Before taking muscle relaxers, ask your doctor if there are other medications that may have similar effects. You may be able to avoid the risk of muscle relaxant addiction altogether with a safer, less addictive treatment. Potential alternatives to muscle relaxers include Botox injections, physical therapy,  and over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. [10]

Addiction Treatment Programs

If you or a loved one is experiencing a substance use disorder, whether it be related to the use of muscle relaxants or another drug, help is nearby. A substance use and rehabilitation counselor can help you explore your treatment options and find a path to recovery that fits your needs and preferences. This may include detox services, intensive outpatient treatment, and aftercare support.   

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Muscle Relaxant Addiction