Central acting muscle relaxants, also known as spasmolytics, are a group of drugs that act within the central nervous system (CNS) to mitigate tension and spasms in skeletal muscles. These medications work by reducing muscle tone and involuntary movements without affecting consciousness or voluntary movement. Here are some key points about central acting muscle relaxants:

1. Types of Central Acting Muscle Relaxants:

   • Antispastics: These drugs primarily treat spasticity, which is a disruption in muscle movement patterns causing certain muscles to contract excessively when attempting movement or even at rest. Antispastics include:
     • Baclofen (Lioresal®): Used to manage spasticity.
     • Dantrolene (Dantrium®): Also effective for spasticity.
   • Antispasmodics: These medications address symptoms such as muscle spasms and musculoskeletal pain. They include:
     • Carisoprodol (Soma®, Vanadom®)
     • Chlorzoxazone (Lorzone®, Parafon Forte DSC®, Relax-DS®, Remular S®)
     • Cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid®, Flexeril®)
     • Metaxalone (Metaxall®, Skelaxin®)
     • Methocarbamol (Robaxin®)
     • Orphenadrine (Norflex®)
   • Dual-Action: Some muscle relaxants have both antispastic and antispasmodic effects:
     • Tizanidine (Zanaflex®)
     • Diazepam (Valium®)

2. Smooth Muscles vs. Skeletal Muscles:

   • Skeletal muscles are the ones you control, aiding movement.
   • Smooth muscles (like those in your intestines, stomach, and blood vessels) are involuntary and not under conscious control.

3. Other Uses:

   • While primarily used for muscle-related issues, some of these medications may also treat conditions unrelated to muscle function. For instance, diazepam is sometimes prescribed for anxiety and seizures.