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Table of Contents
Key Points
- All muscle relaxants can be addictive, but some may be more addictive than others.
- The muscle relaxers carisoprodol and diazepam are classified by the DEA as controlled substances due to their high risk for substance use and dependence.
- A muscle relaxant acts on the central nervous system to decrease the activity of specific neurotransmitters, thereby reducing muscle stiffness and spasms.
- There are two basic types of muscle relaxants: antispasmodics and antispasmodics.
- Some muscle relaxants have both antispastic and antispasmodic properties, such as tizanidine and diazepam.
- Some common side effects of muscle relaxers include headache, nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
- More serious side effects of muscle relaxers that may require medical attention include tremors, seizures, or trouble breathing.
- Some risk factors could make you more vulnerable to a muscle relaxant addiction, including taking controlled substances, having a history of substance use in your family, or having adverse childhood experiences.
- If you have a valid prescription for a muscle relaxant, take it exactly as prescribed; never adjust your dose without consulting your doctor first.
- Never mix alcohol and muscle relaxants; doing so can increase the risk of overdose and lead to liver damage, memory problems, and fainting.
- Signs of a substance use disorder include cravings for the drug, unsuccessful attempts to quit using or cut back on use, and building tolerance to the drug.
- People who abuse muscle relaxants or become addicted to them may be at an increased risk of overdose.
- Signs of an overdose on muscle relaxants include hallucinations, tremor, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
- Evidence-based treatment options are available to those people addicted to muscle relaxants.
Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive?
Muscle relaxers can be addictive, but it depends on the type you’re taking. In particular, the muscle relaxants carisoprodol and diazepam have been classified as controlled substances for their high risk of abuse and addictive properties. [1] Certain risk factors may make you more susceptible to developing an addiction to muscle relaxants. It’s best to seek treatment at the first sign of a substance use disorder.
What Is A Muscle Relaxant?
A muscle relaxant is a prescription drug used to treat musculoskeletal pain as well as muscle spasms and muscle spasticity. There are different types of muscle relaxants that treat different conditions and symptoms.
Types of Muscle Relaxants
Generally, the two types of muscle relaxers are antispastics and antispasmodics. [2]
Antispastic Muscle Relaxants
Antispastic muscle relaxants, not surprisingly, are used to treat conditions that cause muscle spasticity or muscle spasms. Some of these conditions include spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Examples of antispastic muscle relaxants include:
- Tizanidine
- Diazepam
Antispasmodic muscle relaxants, on the other hand, are prescribed to treat musculoskeletal pain such as lower back pain. There are more of these prescription medications, and examples include:
- Carisoprodol
- Orphenadrine
- Metaxalone
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Methocarbamol
The medications known as baclofen and dantrolene have properties of both antispastic and antispasmodic muscle relaxants.
Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers
It’s not uncommon to experience side effects when taking prescription drugs, and muscle relaxants are no exception to this rule. Some commonly reported side effects may include: [3]
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Nausea
Side effects of muscle relaxants aren’t usually dangerous, but they might be uncomfortable. If these side effects become intolerable or last more than a few days, tell your healthcare provider.
Severe Side Effects of Muscle Relaxants
Some people experience more severe side effects as a result of taking muscle relaxers, but this is rare. Some of the serious side effects associated with muscle relaxants include: [4]
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Hives
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors or shakiness
- Confusion
If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms after taking a muscle relaxer, tell your healthcare provider right away. If necessary, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Muscle Relaxants and Alcohol Use
It’s important to point out that muscle relaxants and alcohol don’t mix. Not only can this dangerous cocktail increase the risk of a fatal overdose, but it can also lead to other adverse effects, including: [5]
- Low blood pressure
- Liver damage
- Blurry vision
- Fainting
- Memory loss
- Extreme dizziness
- Severe drowsiness
Muscle Relaxant Drug Addiction
It’s possible to develop a physical or psychological dependence on virtually any substance. This includes muscle relaxers.
Risk Factors for Muscle Relaxer Abuse
Not everyone who takes muscle relaxants will become addicted, but there are some factors that can increase your risk. Some of these risk factors for substance abuse may include: [6]
- Taking controlled substances, including the muscle relaxers carisoprodol and diazepam
- Having a personal or family history of substance use disorder
- A history of adverse childhood experiences like abuse or neglect
- An underlying mental condition
Taking a muscle relaxant without a prescription or taking someone else’s prescription may also lead to a substance use disorder. Even if you do have a prescription from a doctor, it’s important to practice caution. Only take the medication as prescribed and don’t take it longer than necessary. Never take a higher dose than prescribed, even if you feel like the muscle relaxer isn’t working as it should. Call your doctor instead. They may prescribe a different medication or safely adjust your dosage.
Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
If you think you or a loved one might be addicted to muscle relaxers, it’s a good idea to know the signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder, or addiction: [7]
- Experiencing severe cravings for muscle relaxants
- Trouble managing your dose or how long you take muscle relaxants
- Repeatedly using muscle relaxants even though it’s causing problems in your relationships
- Spending an excessive amount of time obtaining muscle relaxers (like doctor shopping), using the drug, or recovering from its use
- Using muscle relaxers in dangerous situations
- Giving up other enjoyable or productive activities due to substance use
- Needing higher doses of the muscle relaxer to achieve the same effect, also known as building tolerance
- Having a hard time meeting deadlines or other responsibilities because of substance use
- Experiencing withdrawal effects when not taking muscle relaxers for a period of time
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop using muscle relaxants or cut back on use
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association, two or more of these symptoms indicate a mild substance use disorder.
Muscle Relaxer Overdose
It is possible to overdose on muscle relaxers, but this is much more common among people who abuse muscle relaxants, combine them with other substances, or develop an addiction to muscle relaxers. If someone you care about is at risk of an overdose, it’s good to know the symptoms in a worst-case scenario: [8]
- Shakiness or tremor
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Extreme dizziness
- Extreme drowsiness
- Agitation or anxiety
- Trouble walking or talking
- Loss of consciousness
- Hallucinations
- Trouble breathing
Overdosing on muscle relaxants can lead to a heart attack, coma, or death. If a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, call 911. This is a medical emergency. You can also call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Find Practical Addiction Treatment For Lasting Recovery
If you or someone you care about is addicted to muscle relaxants or any other substance, know that help is close by. Addiction and substance abuse are challenges no one should have to face alone. When you contact a local treatment center or compassionate substance use and rehabilitation counselor, they can help you explore your treatment options and develop an individualized plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Options include inpatient and partial hospitalization programs, outpatient treatment, medical detox, mental health services, and aftercare support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Muscle Relaxants
Sources
[1] Drug scheduling. DEA. (n.d.-e). https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
[2] [5] professional, C. C. medical. (2025h, July 15). Muscle Relaxers. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24686-muscle-relaxers
[3] [4] 8 muscle relaxer side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, and more – goodrx. (n.d.-a). https://www.goodrx.com/classes/muscle-relaxants/side-effects
[7] What is substance use disorder?. Cleveland Clinic. (2025ae, July 7). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16652-drug-addiction-substance-use-disorder-sud
[8] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-d). Cyclobenzaprine: Medlineplus drug information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682514.html#overdose
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