Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
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Overview
Skeletal muscle relaxants reduce muscle spasm and associated pain through central or peripheral mechanisms. They are primarily used as adjuncts to rest and physical therapy for acute musculoskeletal conditions.
How do skeletal muscle relaxants work?
Centrally acting muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine act in the brainstem to reduce tonic somatic motor activity, likely through modulation of norepinephrine pathways, without directly affecting the neuromuscular junction or skeletal muscle. The net effect is reduction of muscle hyperactivity and spasm.
Drugs in this class
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix)