Muscle Relaxants (Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, Dantrolene)

Muscle relaxants are drugs that either relieve acute muscle spasm short term or control chronic spasticity, as in multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol and carisoprodol handle acute spasm, alongside rest and physical therapy, while baclofen, tizanidine and dantrolene treat spasticity. All of them cause sedation and dizziness, so teach no alcohol or other CNS depressants, no driving until effects are known, and fall precautions. The rule to remember first is that baclofen is never stopped abruptly, because withdrawal brings hallucinations, seizures, high fever and rebound spasticity, and a client with an intrathecal pump must never miss a refill. Oral dantrolene has a boxed warning for liver toxicity, so expect baseline and ongoing liver function tests and teach the client to report jaundice or dark urine. Cyclobenzaprine is closely related to tricyclic antidepressants, which explains its dry mouth and urinary retention and why it is never given with an MAOI. Tizanidine can drop the blood pressure and is contraindicated with ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine.