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Some of the top medications for muscle painMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D.
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— By Caitlin Geng on July 22, 2022Sore and aching muscles are common. They can occur from injury, overexertion, or an underlying illness. While muscle aches typically resolve on their own, people can take medications to help reduce symptoms.
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Muscle aches, also known as myalgia, can occur in any part of the body that has muscles. Discomfort from muscle pain can vary from mild to severe, depending on the cause. Many different medications are available to help treat and relieve muscle pain.
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This article discusses the different medications that may help treat muscle pain. Prescription options
Share on PinterestNICK VEASEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty ImagesA doctor might prescribe medications, such as muscle relaxers, for people with pain and spasms in their muscles.
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These groups of drugs refer to medications that help alleviate muscle pain and tightness by reducing muscle contraction. A 2020 study adds that the use of muscle relaxants is increasing. While these medications are beneficial for short-term use, they may not be appropriate for everyone.
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Evidence also notes they can have adverse effects, and it is not advisable to use them long term. An older source notes that muscle relaxers are available in two classes: antispasmodics and antispastics.
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Antispasmodics
Antispasmodics decrease muscle spasms by altering conduction in the central nervous system. There are two types of antispasmodics: benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work by blocking certain chemicals in the brain, while nonbenzodiazepines act on the spinal cord and brain.
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Examples of antispasmodics include:diazepam (Valium)metaxalone (Skelaxin)carisoprodol (Soma)cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Potential side effects of antispasmodics typically involve drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. For example, possible side effects of cyclobenzaprine can include:drowsinessmucosal drynessdizzinessconfusiondry mouthchanges to intestinal movementsfast heartbeatdilated pupilshallucinations
People who take drugs that affect serotonin should not take antispasmodics, as they may be at risk of serotonin syndrome. Some muscle relaxers can also be addictive, and it is advisable for people to only use them short term.
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Antispastics
These medications act on the muscle cells and spinal cord to improve muscle tightness and relieve spasms. They work by inhibiting the transmission of neurons in the brain.
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A doctor may prescribe antispastics for conditions that cause muscle spasms, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy. Examples of antispastics include:baclofen (Lioresal)tizanidine (Zanaflex)dantrolene (Dantrium, Revonto, and Ryanodex)
Some side effects vary between different antispastics but generally include muscle weakness and drowsiness. For example, the most common side effects of baclofen include:confusionmuscle weaknessvertigonausea
Off-label
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication that does not primarily treat muscle pain but may help relieve pain or spasms.
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These treatments can include:
Benzodiazepines
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of benzodiazepines for: insomniageneralized anxiety disordersocial anxiety disorderseizure disorders, such as epilepsypanic disorder
However, a doctor may prescribe them off-label to help with muscle pain. These medications do not relieve pain but may help alleviate muscle spasms if a person takes them for a short period.
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They work by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter that can have sedative properties. Examples of benzodiazepines include:lorazepam (Ativan)midazolam (Versed)alprazolam (Xanax)clonazepam (Klonopin)diazepam (Valium)
Common side effects of benzodiazepine can include drowsiness, confusion, and breathing difficulties. These drugs can also be habit-forming.
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Gabapentin
This medication is an anticonvulsant, and doctors usually prescribe it to treat seizures, relieve nerve pain, and treat restless leg syndrome. It works by changing electrical activity in the brain and influencing neurotransmitters, which can alter how the body senses pain. Common side effects of gabapentin may include dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
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Over the counter OTC
A person may use OTC pain relievers for mild to moderate muscle pain. These can include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs
NSAIDs are drugs that help treat or relieve pain by reducing inflammation.
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These medications slow the formation of prostaglandins, which the body produces after injury or illness. They also block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which helps to create prostaglandins.
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Examples of OTC NSAIDs include:ibuprofenaspirinnaproxen sodium
Potential side effects of OTC NSAIDs can include:gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestionheadachesdizzinessdrowsiness
Acetaminophen
Also known as paracetamol, this medication can treat mild to moderate pain and fever. It is both an analgesic, or pain reliever, and an antipyretic, or fever reducer.
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Similar to NSAIDs, acetaminophen also works by inhibiting the COX pathway. If a person uses acetaminophen too often or for too long, they are at risk of serious liver damage.
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The medication may also result in skin reactions, such as:rednessrashblistersthe top layer of the skin coming away
Natural options
Natural options may help to alleviate muscle pain. However, more research is necessary to determine their efficacy.
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Some natural options may include:Fruits: Certain fruits, such as cherries, strawberries, avocados, grapes, and watermelon, may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help to relieve sore muscles. Massage: Massaging techniques may help to relieve muscle pain. This may be due to relaxing tissue and improving circulation.
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A person may self-massage or visit a professional.CBD: While more research is necessary, evidence suggests that CBD may influence pain signaling pathways. A 2020 study on athletes suggests that CBD may modulate inflammation and aid in muscle recovery. Learn about shopping for CBD products here.
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When to contact a doctor
Muscle pain that does not go away or becomes severe could signify an underlying condition that requires medical treatment. If a person has a prescription that is ineffective for pain relief, they should discuss this with a doctor.
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If nonprescription options are not helping to reduce symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical assistance. A healthcare professional can diagnose the underlying cause and suggest treatment options. Summary
Muscle pains are usually not a cause for concern and typically resolve on their own.
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However, severe or prolonged pain may indicate an underlying illness. A person can treat their pain with medication in the short term.
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A doctor may prescribe medications, including muscle relaxants or off-label options. A doctor may also recommend the use of OTC options, such as NSAIDs. All these medications carry the risk of side effects, and some can be habit-forming.
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A person should not take pain-relieving medication for long periods and should seek medical attention if the pain is recurring or severe. Last medically reviewed on July 22, 2022Pain / AnestheticsDrugs 24 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.
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We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Agrawal, S., et al.
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(2022). Acetaminophen toxicity.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441917Benzodiazepine drug information. (2020).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/benzodiazepine-drug-informationBest fruits for arthritis.
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(n.d.).https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy-eating/best-fruits-for-arthritisBounds, C. G., et al.
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(2021). Benzodiazepines.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470159Dantrium– dantrolene sodium capsule. (2018).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=57b4eec1-49e1-432c-95ae-0fe36e32d64bDhaliwal, J.
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S., et al. (2022). Diazepam.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns of rare but serious skin reactions with the pain reliever/fever reducer acetaminophen.
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(2016).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-rare-serious-skin-reactions-pain-relieverfever-reducerGerriets, V., et al. (2021).
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Acetaminophen.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369Ghanavatian, S., et al. (2022).
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Baclofen.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526037Ghlichloo, I., et al. (2022). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs .https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742How does massage work?
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(n.d.).https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy/how-does-massage-workKhan, I., et al. (2022).
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Cyclobenzaprine.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513362Metaxalone tablet. (2022).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=de3448df-4ca1-44ec-bad1-486549cddf64McCartney, D., et al.
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(2020). Cannabidiol and sports performance: A narrative review of relevant evidence and recommendations for future research.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7338332Pergolizzi, J.
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V., et al. (2020).
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Reappraising the use of benzodiazepines in chronic pain patients.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00325481.2020.1725352Prommer, E. (2020). Midazolam: An essential palliative care drug.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7065504Prostaglandins.
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(2019).https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/prostaglandinsRevonto– dantrolene sodium injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution. (2021).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=78801254-73a0-44ca-9222-7b3581af82d8Ryanodex dantrolene sodium– dantrolene sodium injection, suspension. (2020).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8f7b3ac0-604d-4c78-b545-5e0f8ea3d698Skeletal muscle relaxants drug class review.
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(2016).https://medicaid.utah.gov/pharmacy/ptcommittee/files/Criteria%20Review%20Documents/2016/2016.02%20Skeletal%20Muscle%20Relaxant%20Class%20Review.pdfSoprano, S. E., et al.
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(2020). Assessment of physician prescribing of muscle relaxants in the United States, 2005-2016.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2767591Vučković, S., et al. (2018).
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Cannabinoids and pain: New insights from old molecules.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/fullWitenko, C., et al. (2014). Considerations for the appropriate use of skeletal muscle relaxants for the management of acute low back pain.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103716Yasaei, R., et al.
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(2022). Clonidine.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459124FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D.
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— By Caitlin Geng on July 22, 2022
Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's?
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New clues arise
Related CoverageWhat are the causes of unexplained muscle aches?Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. There are many potential causes of muscle aches. The muscles may ache due to overexertion or exercise, or they may have more severe causes, such as…READ MOREWhat is the RICE method for injuries?Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT
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One treatment method is known as RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If done…READ MOREWhat causes muscle soreness and stiffness?Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD
Muscle stiffness is when the muscles feel tight and difficult to move. Most cases can be treated with home remedies, but some require medical…READ MOREAre statins the cause of your muscle pain?
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Study says unlikely
A recent study suggests that stains are not the cause of muscle pain in 9 out of 10 people who experience the symptoms while taking the medication. READ MORE8 of the best heating pads in 2022 for pain reliefMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
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