Laurice Mitchell

 Used to relax or decrease the tone of skeletal muscles.  Muscles responsible for voluntary movement.  Works on the central nervous system.

 Blocks the transmission of nervous signals to the muscle.  Used during surgery.  Does not block the sensation of pain.

 Relax muscle to lesser degree.  Used to manage seizure, muscle spasms, or pain associated with muscle injuries.

 Prescription only in the United State  Some can be bought in Canada without prescription.

 Risk of dependence  Impaired movement and coordination  Dry mouth  Light headed  Blurred vision  Less alert

 Carisoprodol (Soma)  Chloroxazone (Parafon Forte DSC)  Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)  Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

 Increasing problem  About 1% of American adults are taking muscle relaxants  Majority have developed a habit.

 Buzz  Sense of euphoria  Mood enhancement  Pleasant misperceptions

 In the 90’s several members of hospital staff was charged with murder.  Overdosed on two muscle relaxants  Muscle relaxants were pulled off the market.

 In 2006, 16.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

More than 6.3 Million American reported current use of prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes in