What Are Muscle Relaxants?
In sports medicine and sports trauma, these drugs have a relaxing effect on the muscle and help relieve the pain associated with intense muscle contracture.
Muscle relaxants intervene at the level of neuronal synapses of the muscle. They act on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neuromodulator that is an inhibitor of synaptic transmission.
By this mechanism, muscle relaxants partially inhibit the passage of the impulses, which causes the muscles to relax.
Types of Prescribed Muscles Relaxers
Muscle relaxants are products available mainly by prescription and in pharmacies. Most of the muscle relaxants that appear to be effective are taken orally.
They are found in the form of medicinal tablets or capsules or, in the form of a drinkable solution in drops. Muscle relaxants can also be found in the form of a cream or gel, which can be a great alternative for people who have difficulties swallowing pills or ingesting liquids.
There are several types of muscle relaxants. The Thiocolchicoside (muscle relaxant) and benzodiazepines include muscle relaxants most prescribed in sports medicine.
Among the benzodiazepines, one uses Diazepam. It is a generic form of the anxiolytic known under the name of Valium. It is used in particular for cases of low back pain. It is taken in the evening because of the risk of associated side effects such as drowsiness, addiction, decreased vigilance, risk of a poor drug reaction.
It is also used in local injections in mesotherapy, in very small doses to avoid side effects. Bromazepam is another benzodiazepine based drug sometimes given instead of Valium.
What Alternatives Are There?
There are multiple alternatives to these mainstream drugs that you can find over the counter and take without a prescription.
This is exactly what we are going to be presenting to you today—multiple alternatives to mainstream retail store drugs. Choosing any one of these products is bound to have an effect, the difference is that most of these products are accessible without a prescription.
Top 10 Picks of Best OTC (Over The Counter) Muscle Relaxants
Disclaimer:
Muscle relaxants are drugs that are not harmless and must be taken wisely and on a short term, 10 to 15 days maximum. They must be prescribed by a doctor.
They are the only one capable of checking any underlying pathology, making the diagnosis, giving the right treatment, and the proper dosage is a medically trained professional.
In addition to the side effects mentioned, recourse to self-medication can result in “a bad case,” with a risk of addiction (especially for benzodiazepines, which some athletes regularly take to sleep).
Finally, there are certain cases where it is not recommended to take muscle relaxants.
1. Professional Botanicals Relaxall
The first product that we will offer you is called Professional Botanicals Relaxall. It is a mix of various herbs and minerals, including but not limited to Valerian Root and Magnesium. These ingredients are both used for muscle recovery on their own but combined, they are even more useful.
This product has been tested for negative side effects, and it has been concluded that there are none. It is a 100% pure and ethical power made from organic suppliers. Reviews also report that the product can help you sleep better and even with your anxiety.This product uses a system they call EDS, more specifically the enzyme delivery system.
It claims that the magic of their product is the fact that they use a formula rather than a single ingredient. This, according to them, creates a powerful effect that can ensure both short and long term health benefits.
The benefits that they claim their product has been the following: It can help soothe your muscle aches. It can ease muscle tension as well as a muscle spasm. It helps promote a calmer sleep cycle ( no more nightly disturbances). In addition, it will help with muscle and nerve functions.
It is recommended that you take one capsule before bed and no more than one capsule daily.
Pros
- No negative effects
- A combination of tested ingredients
- Vegan
Cons
- Expensive in comparison to other alternatives
- Few Capsules in the bottle
2. Crystal Star Muscle Relax
This is a Non-Gmo, Gluten-Free product that consists of Valerian Root, Jamaica Dogwood and Cramp bark as 8 more natural herbs. It is marketed as a muscle relaxant for people who have an active lifestyle. It is full of ingredients that will ease muscle pain as well as rejuvenate your body.
It is also marked as a product for female and male athletes, claiming to ease them of muscle and menstrual cramps. But reviews state that It can also helo you if you experience, chronic headaches, nerve damage and vertigo attacks.
The product’s page states that this product is specifically made to help you improve your performance in the gym. It does that by helping you deal with annoying muscle aches, pains and cramps. Its strong formula of ingredients helps to guarantee its long term effects.
The page recommends that you take two to four capsule up to two to three times daily, preferably late at night before bed.
Unfortunately, this product has not been evaluated by the FDA. Thus it is not to be a substitute of medical recommendations by doctors.
Pros
- Relatively Cheap
- All Natural
- Pleasant packaging
Cons
- Some people have reported side effects
- Safely Manufacture- Non-Gmo and Gluten
3. Health & Beauty Muscle Relaxant Aromatic Butter
This Magical rub is marketed as an all-around pain relief product. It claims to relieve headaches, muscle cramps, back pain by improving blood flow and circulation. It is recommended for athletes and Slat and paraben-free.
This product is used by rubbing it on the body part where the pain originates. This buttery cream consists mainly of olive and almond oil, so it does not have any side effects when being applied to the skin.
When you apply the product to your skin, you will feel a heating sensation om the place where you have applied the product. You can use this product multiple times a day, depending on your needs.
This product has not been approved by the FDA, but nevertheless, its formula of ingredients has been widely researched. Almond oil has been a thoroughly studied product, and its beneficial effects are clear.
Also, it contains Peppermint oil, Coconut oil, Camphor oil, Eucalyptus oil, Lavender oil and Dead sea minerals. All of these products have been studied thoroughly, and their beneficial effects are evident.
Pros
- No side effects
- Based on science
- Full of proven ingredients
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not the most popular product
4. Kava Kava Muscle Relaxant and Sleep Aid
Kava Kava is a cheap muscle relaxant that can also be used as a sleeping aid. It is a nonartificial product. It is based on the Kava Kava root.
It is a cheap muscle relaxant / sleeping aid that can be afforded even by the most budget constricted.You can take up to three capsules of the product per day. Preferably not all at once.
Kava know by its scientific name “Piper Methysticum” is a plant that is native to the south pacific. It thrives mainly on volcanic soil. It has a long history of being consumed for medicinal purposes in that region.
Additionally, there have been plenty of studies on the plant which have shown that the plant has a wide variety of benefits. Throughout history, it has been used mainly for anxiety and subjective well being.
It appears to be really reliable in the treatment of anxiety. But more importantly, the effects it showed on the subjective well being of individuals. It helps in the reduction of muscle cramps and spasms.
Pros
- Cheap
- An all natural product
- Very popular
Cons
- Not the most effective
- Does not have the best reputation
5. Theraworx Relief
Our next product is called Theraworx Relief. Manufactured in the USA. It is an innovative fast acting foam made mainly for (but not limited to) leg and foot cramps that quickly relieves pain.
It differs from other conventional muscle relaxants as it is advertised as a fast acting foam. You are mean to apply the product directly onto the spot where the muscle soreness originates.
It is also said to be a non toxic product that you can apply to any place onto your body, not only for your feet and legs. The product can be used anywhere. The company also offers a 30 day money back policy.
Тhe products page offers a few tips on how to get the best results from the product. For muscle cramps, you should apply it both morning and night. Make sure to apply it to the whole muscle group that is experiencing pain. Dosage and frequency may differ based on the person. Keep factors such as weight and height in mind.
Pros
- Non Toxic
- Innovative (good for those who dislike pills or liquids)
- Instantly active
Cons
- Has negative reviews saying it does not work
- Pretty expensive
6. High Absorption Magnesium Gel by MgSport Store
Our next product is very similar to our previous one, it offers a solution for people who dislike ingesting drugs and medicine through their mouth.
This product is based on Magnesium Chloride and Natural Trace Elements, along with Purified water and Glycerin. And just a warning that it does contain alcohol, so it may sting.It is applied directly on the skin and absorbs rapidly into it.
The product’s page claims the product has multiple benefits. It is less itching and does not sting the skin, which differentiates it from other similar products.
Also, it does not dehydrate the skin, even better it helps hydrate it thought the unique blend of magnesium that it contains. It will also help you have a more restful sleep as its ingredient will help relax your muscles so that you won’t randomly wake up during the night due to pain.
The way you use it is: you apply it directly to the spot where the muscle soreness or pain originates.This product is also odorless so you can apply it even when going out, without worrying about smelling like medicine.
Pros
- Based on Magnesium
- 100% natural
- In the form of a Gel
Cons
- May sting your skin when applying
- Some reviews doubt its effectiveness
7. Neuropathy Nerve Pain Relief Cream
The next product on our list also uses magnesium as one of its ingredients, but it also has the added benefit of having Vitamin B6 and e MSM and Aloe Vera.
It has a really fast relief time. It can work within minutes of being applied. Aside from muscle relaxation, it can be used for arthritis and to relieve joint pain and carpal tunnel.
The cream is easy to apply, and it lasts up to 10 hours. It is smooth, it has no strong odour, and can be easily applied to the skin. It dries up and absorbs into the skin rapidly.
This product is a blend of different ingrediatns all with their own benefits. Still, the one with the most studies behind it is definitely Andrographis Paniculata.
In addition, it contains Vitamin B 12. Vitamin B 12 deficiency can be a leading cause of nerve pain, so through this product, you can help your body get the necessary sustenance.
The product has mainly positive reviews, with different people saying how it has helped them with their various muscle pains and diseases. In the reviews, you can find out that it has helped people who only have minor issues like muscle stiffness to stuff like non-diabetic peripheral.
Pros
- Well-liked by the reviews
- Relatively cheap
- 30 day money back guarantee
Cons
- Only sold in one size
- Some reviews report side-effects
8. Tylenol Acetaminophen Caplets
This product is an artificial alternative to the capsule ingested products on our list. It contains Acetaminophen, 650 mg. Its is used as a pain reliever/muscle relaxant.
Its inactive ingredients are carnauba wax, corn starch, povidone, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, stearic acid so if you are allergic to any of these.
This is one of the products that you should be careful taking, as it is a relatively potent muscle relaxant. Be sure to consult with a doctor before deciding to take it.
It is recommended to not take more than a tablet a day unless prescribed otherwise. Each pill is the size of an inch, but people report that it is relatively easy to swallow.
The product is only meant for children who are 12, or older. This product is a great alternative to Ibuprofen, as it does not put an unnecessary load onto your kidneys.
Pros
- A Ibuprofen alternative
- Relatively cheap
- Its 650mg per pill instead of the usual 500mg
Cons
- Some people report that their body rapidly adats to the drug.
- Problematic packaging (Hard to open for some people)
9. Naproxen Sodium by Kirkland Signature
Naproxen is one of the most wide spread non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and with good reason.
This product is mainly utilized in treating muscle pains, headaches, fevers and other types of muscle disease sich as arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Naproxen Sodium is the main ingredient of this product. Recently there have been a lot of studies on this ingredient, and they have all suggested that it is safe to ingest.
Although it is not advised to intake Naproxen Sodium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure to talk to a medical professional before deciding to do so.
This drug is not as heavy as other artificially created ones so it won’t put a strain on your kidneys and heart. And even despite all of that, It is not recommended that you take more than a single pill a day. This particular product contains Naproxen Sodium 220mg.
Pros
- Can be used to treat an array of health problems
- not as heavy as other artificial drugs
- Pillsa are easy to swallow
Cons
- It does put SOME strain on your kidneys
- Some reviews report nausea
10. Puriya Ultra Relief Cream
Puriya Ultra Relief Cream is a Balm cream used as a muscle relaxant. It has a pleasant menthol smell, and it is advertised as a Menthol muscle relief cream for athletes.
It has a long-lasting effect designed to relieve pain for a prolonged time after being applied. In addition, it is not greasy, nor does it smell bad.
It is based on a Plant Rich formula, that has been tested humanly and has been manufactured in the USA. In the reviews, people report that this is one of the only over the counter muscle relief products that have worked for them.
The way you apply this product is by rubbing it into the areas where the pain originates. You need to do this 3-5 times a day as per need. For more severe pay you should apply it three times within an interval of five minutes.
Pros
- All-natural
- Non artificial additives
- A long lasting effect
Cons
- Pretty expensive
- People may dislike the strong smell
Where Can I Learn More About Muscle Relaxants?
Muslce relaxants are very popular solution to muscle pain, cramps, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Whether you chose an over the counter muscle relaxant or a muscle relaxant that you need a prescription for should be based on the decision of your doctor.
That decision would probably be based on: one the level of the pain that you are experiencing and two on the type of pain/ illness that you are experiencing.
If you get prescribed a prescription muscle relaxants you should be careful not to overuse it as there are bound to be side effects, you can find more about them here. In addition, you can find out more about the most common prescription muscle relaxants and their ingredients here.
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