Muscle Relaxants

Question 1

Describe spasticity.

Answer 1

• Refers to a group of movement disorders of CNS origin resulting from an upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion
• Heightened muscle tone, spasm, and loss of dexterity

Question 2

Describe muscle spasms.

Answer 2

• Involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscle group
• Often painful and reduces the ability to function
• Caused by localized muscle injury/trauma

Question 3

List the types of muscle relaxants.

Answer 3

• Baclofen
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dantrolene

Question 4

What are muscle relaxants used to treat?

Answer 4

SPASTICITY: Baclofen, Dantrolene
SPASMS: Cyclobenzaprine

Question 5

Which muscle relaxants are more commonly used?

Answer 5

• Baclofen
• Cyclobenzaprine

Question 6

Which muscle relaxant is rarely used?

Answer 6

• Dantrolene
  ~ Primarily used to manage Malignant Hyperthermia

Question 7

Muscle relaxants adverse effects?

Answer 7

- They are like drinking alcohol:
~ Dizziness/Sedation/Drowsiness/ Fatigue
~ Can be misused (people can develop dependance and tolerance)
~ If taken chronically, must taper off!
~ Part of the B & Z rule!
~ Can be taken at bedtime to reduce fall risk/drowsiness
~ Do NOT drive on these!

- These also have anticholinergic properties (Dantrolene does not)