Do Muscle Relaxers Help with Anxiety? A Comprehensive Guide
Anxiety can affect every part of your body—from racing thoughts to tight shoulders and a clenched jaw. If you've ever experienced anxiety so physically intense that your muscles ache, you might wonder: Could a muscle relaxer help me feel better?
It’s a valid question—and one that more people are asking. In this guide, we’ll explore whether muscle relaxers can help with anxiety, how they work, and what alternatives you might consider.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is more than just nervousness—it’s a state of heightened alertness that can cause both mental and physical symptoms. These include:
Rapid heartbeat
Tight chest or shortness of breath
Muscle tension
Difficulty sleeping
Excessive worry
While the mental aspect of anxiety often gets the spotlight, its physical symptoms—especially chronic muscle tension—can be debilitating.
The Role of Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers, or muscle relaxants, are medications designed to reduce muscle tension and spasms. They’re commonly used for conditions like back pain, tension headaches, or injuries. But because anxiety can cause similar physical tightness, some people turn to these medications hoping for relief.
Do Muscle Relaxers Help with Anxiety? Let’s get into the details.
Overview of Muscle Relaxers
There are two main types of muscle relaxers:
Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs) – These work on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce muscle tone.
Direct-acting muscle relaxants – These work directly on the muscles (e.g., dantrolene), though they’re less commonly used for general tension.
Common examples of muscle relaxers include:
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Baclofen
Carisoprodol (Soma)
Mechanism of Action
Most muscle relaxers work by depressing the CNS. This slows down nerve impulses, which leads to reduced muscle contractions. Some also have sedative effects—causing drowsiness and a general sense of calm.
Can a Muscle Relaxer Help with Anxiety?
In short: muscle relaxers may help relieve some physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tension or tightness, but they do not treat anxiety itself.
Research and Evidence
There is limited scientific evidence supporting muscle relaxers as an official treatment for anxiety. However:
Cyclobenzaprine is structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants and has mild anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects in some cases.
Carisoprodol and baclofen can cause sedation, which might feel like anxiety relief—but also carry a higher risk of dependence.
These medications are sometimes prescribed off-label for short-term anxiety relief, particularly when physical tension is a prominent symptom. But they’re not typically used as a first-line treatment.
Expert Opinions
Most medical professionals agree: muscle relaxers may offer temporary relief from physical symptoms, but they’re not a sustainable or comprehensive treatment for anxiety. They also carry side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and risk of dependence or withdrawal—especially with prolonged use.
Will a Muscle Relaxer Help Anxiety?
Short-term vs Long-term Use
Short-term use: May provide temporary comfort if anxiety is causing muscle tightness.
Long-term use: Not recommended due to potential side effects, tolerance, and lack of effectiveness on emotional symptoms.
Effects on Symptoms
Muscle relaxers may help with:
Muscle pain
Jaw clenching
Tension headaches
Sleep (due to sedative effects)
But they don’t address core anxiety symptoms like persistent worry, fear, or panic attacks.
Coping Strategies for Anxiety
Muscle relaxers aren’t the only—or best—way to manage anxiety. In fact, many alternatives are safer, more sustainable, and better supported by research.
Alternative Treatments
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – One of the most effective treatments for anxiety.
Anti-anxiety medications – Such as SSRIs (e.g., sertraline) or benzodiazepines (short-term use only).
Mindfulness-based therapy – Including meditation and acceptance strategies.
Relaxation Techniques for Anxiety
Instead of muscle relaxers, try these:
Progressive muscle relaxation
Deep breathing
Guided imagery
Yoga or stretching routines
Massage or physical therapy
These target the same physical tension, without medication.
Lifestyle Changes
Don’t underestimate the basics:
Exercise regularly – Reduces stress and tension naturally.
Limit caffeine and alcohol – Both can worsen anxiety.
Get enough sleep – Poor sleep worsens both anxiety and physical discomfort.
Build a routine – Structure helps calm the mind.
Summary of Findings
Muscle relaxers may offer temporary relief from physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly muscle tension.
However, they don’t treat the root cause of anxiety and are not a long-term solution.
Safer, more effective alternatives—like therapy, lifestyle changes, and anti-anxiety medications—should be considered first.
If anxiety is interfering with your quality of life, don’t settle for a quick fix. While muscle relaxers might bring short-term physical relief, they can’t replace the benefits of holistic, evidence-based treatment.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and work together on a plan that targets both your mind and body—without relying solely on medications meant for something else.