Muscle relaxants for prostatitis

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride
diazepam	Valium

How It Works

These medications relax muscles throughout the body. They are believed to work because they calm both the central nervous system and the muscles. These medications may make you sleepy.

Why It Is Used

Muscle relaxants may be used to treat pain caused by chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, inflammatory or non-inflammatory.

How Well It Works

The use of these medications to treat prostatitis has not been carefully studied. However, doctors find that these medications are often helpful, especially for men with chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, non-inflammatory.¹

Side Effects

The side effects of these medications include:

• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Urinary retention.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Valium can be habit-forming with long-term use.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Douglas Dana Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: February 19, 2008
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
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