These muscle relaxants are available without prescription

Not all products sold as muscle relaxants are available on prescription. Rather, a large number of products with antispasmodic effects are also available without a prescription. Most of these are plant-based preparations.

These include rosemary, valerian, lavender or horseradish. However, whether and how such preparations work is usually not clear. Nor does a plant origin of preparations guarantee that they are free of side effects.

Magnesium is also frequently used for muscle relaxation. Here too, studies are often inaccurate or contradictory. The great advantage of magnesium, however, is its low side effects and low price, so that there is little to prevent an attempt at treatment.

The indication

The indication of muscle relaxants differs according to the group of muscle relaxants. Peripheral muscle relaxants are used for endotracheal intubation. In endotracheal intubation, a hollow probe is inserted through the mouth and advanced until the probe is in the airway.

This allows artificial respiration to be guaranteed. However, to facilitate intubation and minimize the risk of injury, the patient is given a muscle relaxant. The musculature relaxes and the tube (hollow probe) can be inserted under a better view.

Another indication for the use of peripheral muscle relaxants is open or minimally invasive surgery. Relaxation of the muscles reduces the risk of complications as there is no defensive movement. It also improves vision and makes the operation easier for the surgeon.

Central muscle relaxants are used for muscle tension. They act directly in the brain and spinal cord and reduce muscle tone. This can be used in neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.

However, patients suffering from painful tension in the back muscles can also benefit from relaxation. Methocarbamol can also be used, for example, in the case of a herniated disc to improve symptoms and increase mobility. However, it should be ruled out beforehand that the herniated disc could cause permanent damage – in this case, surgery would be more appropriate.