Tizanidine is a short-acting drug for the management of spasticity. Tizanidine is an agonist at a2-adrenergic receptor sites and presumably reduces spasticity by increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. In animal models, tizanidine has no direct effect on skeletal muscle fibers or the neuromuscular junction, and no major effect on monosynaptic spinal reflexes. The effects of tizanidine are greatest on polysynaptic pathways. The overall effect of these actions is thought to reduce facilitation of spinal motor neurons. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, nervousness, hallucinations, depression, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, heartburn, increased muscle spasms, back pain, rash, sweating, and a tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally-acting muscle relaxant which boosts levels of norepinephrine and binds to serotonin receptors in the brain to reduce spasm. Cytochromes P-450 3A4, 1A2, and, to a lesser extent, 2D6, mediate N-demethylation, one of the oxidative pathways for cyclobenzaprine. Cyclobenzaprine relieves skeletal muscle spasm of local origin without interfering with muscle function. Drowsiness, fatigue and sedation (up to 40%) is the most common side effect of Cyclobenzaprine. It may have life-threatening interactions with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Postmarketing cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported during combined use of cyclobenzaprine and other drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tramadol, bupropion, meperidine, verapamil, or MAO inhibitors.

Baclofen (brand names Kemstro, Lioresal, and Gablofen) is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Baclofen is a muscle relaxer and an antispastic agent and is used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, including spasm, pain, and stiffness. It is primarily used to treat spasticity and is under investigation for the treatment of alcoholism. Although baclofen is an analog of the putative inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), there is no conclusive evidence that actions on GABA systems are involved in the production of its clinical effects. Baclofen is rapidly and extensively absorbed and eliminated. Absorption may be dose-dependent, being reduced with increasing doses. Baclofen is excreted primarily by the kidney in unchanged form and there is relatively large intersubjective variation in absorption and/or elimination. Baclofen is a direct agonist at GABA-B receptors. The precise mechanism of action of baclofen is not fully known. It is capable of inhibiting both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level, possibly by hyperpolarization of afferent terminals, although actions at supraspinal sites may also occur and contribute to its clinical effect.

Dantrolene is a drug which was approved by FDA for the treatment of chronic spasticity and malignant hyperthermia (a rare life-threatening clinical syndrome). Dantrolene effect was shown both in vivo and in vitro and proved to be mediated by interaction with Ryanodine receptor 1. The drug has a potential for hepatotoxicity and should be used as indicated in the label.

Metaxalone (marketed by King Pharmaceuticals under the brand name Skelaxin) is a muscle relaxant used to relax muscles and relieve pain caused by strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal conditions. The mechanism of action of metaxalone in humans has not been established, but may be due to general central nervous system depression. Metaxalone has no direct action on the contractile mechanism of striated muscle, the motor end plate, or the nerve fiber. Skelaxin is available in an 800 mg scored tablet. Metaxalone relatively low incidence of side effects. The most common adverse reactions to Metaxalone tablets include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and nervousness or “irritability”, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset.

A centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant whose mechanism of action is not completely understood but may be related to its sedative actions. Carisoprodol is indicated for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults. Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 2%) are drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Carisoprodol might be mixtured with Aspirin and Codeine Phosphate. Studies indicating increased risk of abuse or addiction led to withdrawal of the drug from the market in Norway and other EU countries in 2008.

Chlorzoxazone is a centrally acting central muscle relaxant with sedative properties. It is claimed to inhibit muscle spasm by exerting an effect primarily at the level of the spinal cord and subcortical areas of the brain where it inhibits multisynaptic reflex arcs involved in producing and maintaining skeletal muscle spasm of varied etiology. The clinical result is a reduction of the skeletal muscle spasm with relief of pain and increased mobility of the involved muscles. Chlorzoxazone is indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. The mode of action of this drug has not been clearly identified, but may be related to its sedative properties. Chlorzoxazone does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles in man.

Methocarbamol is a central muscle relaxant for skeletal muscles, used to treat spasms. It is structurally related to guaifenesin. Methocarbamol's exact mechanism of causing skeletal muscle relaxation is unknown. It is thought to work centrally, perhaps by general depressant effects. It has no direct relaxant effects on striated muscle, nerve fibers, or the motor endplate. It will not directly relax contracted skeletal muscles. The drug has a secondary sedative effect. Methocarbamol is used for use as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomforts associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Under the trade name Robaxin, Methocarbamol is marketed by Actient Pharmaceuticals in the United States and Pfizer in Canada.

Cyclandelate is a vasodilator developed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The drug was used in many countries for such diseases as intermittent claudication, arteriosclerosis obliterans, thrombophlebitis, nocturnal leg cramps, local frostbite, Raynaud's phenomenon. In the USA it was also approved for intermittent claudication and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease under the name Cyclospasmol. Cyclandelate exerts its effect by blocking calcium channels and inhibiting smooth muscles contration. Cyclandelate was withdrawn from the market in the USA for lack of effectiveness.