Drugs that work as muscle-relaxing drugs are broadly categorised as antispastics and antispasmodics. Of these two sub-genres, antispasmodics work to treat muscular spasms; antispastics help treat spasticity of muscles. It is essential to know that a few meds of the antispasmodic genre (like tizanidine) can treat spasticity. But, antispastics cannot treat spasms and cramps. But, can you buy antispasmodics OTC – i.e., through over the counter route? It is a key thing to know more on this.
Aceclofenac–Paracetamol–Tizanidine
Cramps occur when there is excessive strain on your muscle; you are likely to get a spasm due to conditions like fibromyalgia. Spasms are often an outcome of sudden / jerky and involuntary contraction of muscles. Those who live with back pain (especially the lower back) and neck ache are likely to witness spasms. Most spasms occur over a shorter span of time and the underlying muscle tends to get normal in a few minutes’ time.
Muscular spasticity is linked to injuries of the spinal column or brain. This is a continuous spell of muscular strain or spasm; it triggers stiffening of muscles, tightening as well as rigidity of tissues. These conditions may cause pain while you walk or make any bodily movements.
What are antispasmodics?
These are also called centrally-acting skeletal-muscle relaxing (SMR) meds. These are commonly prescribed with physical-therapy and a lot of rest. Active chemicals present in antispasmodics trigger a sedative sensation and also prevent pain-based signals reaching your brain. Long-term use of these meds can cause adverse outcomes; typical medication plan spans not more than 2 – 3 weeks’ time.
Can I procure antispasmodic over the counter?
It is a safe practice to administer antispasmodic meds under the clinical supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Your caregiving team will explain the benefits of antispasmodics (over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs). There are a few generic drugs and branded variants to choose from. Generic drugs include cyclobenzaprine, tizanidine, carisoprodol, etc.; their branded counterparts are fexmid, Zanaflex, soma, respectively.
Prior to consuming antispasmodic meds, it is essential to keep your treating doctor abreast of pre-existing and current ailments, if any. It can be very helpful to your care providers if you can share details of your clinical history, especially of renal dysfunction or drop in pressure (a condition known as hypotension), etc. Moreover, those who are living with liver-related problems such as inflammation of liver or cirrhosis, must tell their doctor of such clinical conditions.
You are advised not to take alcohol (or drinks laced with alcohol) while using antispasmodic medications. Mixing of drugs with alcoholic beverages is likely to trigger very-adverse effects and severe discomforts; these include acute levels of drowsiness, turning dizzy, difficulties to maintain concentration levels. It is a key thing to share details about your drinking habits and other lifestyle habits with your physician prior to consuming antispasmodic drugs.
Lastly, people who are aged 50 years (and more) may live with a sub-optimal filtration rate of their renal system. Owing to a decreased filtration rate, elderly people may need a fairly long timeframe to have drugs processed by their kidneys. Risks of side effects are more pronounced when residue of antispasmodics remain longer in your body. In such cases, your caregiver may administer antispasmodic meds at a lesser dosage strength.
In order to know more about antispasmodics, you are advised to talk to your caregiving team before beginning your treatment plan. Also, as some of these drugs may cause a few adverse side effects – common among them being migraines/headache, being nervous or restless and excessive level of dizziness – take needful precautions after consulting with your treating doctor.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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