Several types of medications are prescribed after a motor vehicle or slip and fall accident. Some are as follows:
Benzodiazepines
Names: Alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Deazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Triazolam (Halcion)
Characteristics: sedative, anti-anxiety
Purpose: reduce myofascial pain, muscle spams, anxiety/tension, seizures, insomnia
Cons: these types of drugs can cause psychological and physical dependencies. Withdrawals starts occurring within twelve to forty-eight hours after last dosage.
Side Effects: dry mouth, drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue, loss of coordination, constipation, sexual dysfunction.
Muscle Relaxants
Names: cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), paraflex (Chlorzoxazone), soma (Carisoprodol), metaxalone (Skelaxin), methocarbamol (Delaxin), diazepam (Valium)
Characteristics: Muscle relaxants decreasing involuntary movement, muscle spasms and muscle tone.
Purpose: Reduce muscle spasms, cervicogenic and tension headaches, inflammation
Cons: Should not be taken with MAOI or certain types of antidepressants. To reduce withdrawal symptoms must taper down off drug gradually
Side Effects: paraesthesia, insomnia, weaknesses, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision.
Non-Sterodial Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Names: ibuprofen (Advil; Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocid), diclofenac (Voltaren)
Characteristics: Reduce swelling/inflammation
Purpose: Inflammation, pain, arthritis
Cons: Should not be taken while pregnant, overdosing can lead to gastrointestinal complications
Side Effects: anxiety, headaches, vertigo, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, stomach cramps, drowsiness
Narcotic Analgesics
Names: Meperidine (Demero), codeine (Codeine Contin), morphine, oxycodone (Oxycontin; Supeudol), oxycodone & ASA (Percodan), oxycodone & acetaminophen (Percocet),
Characteristics: Pain medication
Purpose: decrease severe and acute traumatic induced pain, reduce myofascial pain.
Cons: Can be very addictive. Not for prolonged use. Use caution when taxing using alcohol, antidepressants, muscle relaxants
Side Effects: dizziness, lethargy, sedation, respiratory complications, headache, nausea, vomiting.
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