Comparative Efficacy of Four Muscle Relaxants on Signs and Symptoms of the Myofascial Pain Syndrome Associated with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the comparative efficacy of four different types of muscle relaxants on the symptoms of the temporomandibular dysfunction [TMD] syndrome and to evaluate whether agents with antianxiety action provide better relief of symptoms. Method: This randomized controlled single blind clinical trial was completed on 79 patients with the clinical diagnosis of myofascial pain. Patients were randomly divided into four groups. In each of the four groups, patients were given a different type of muscle relaxant three times a day for three weeks. A fifth group of control patients, who did not receive any medication, was later studied in a similar manner. Results: A significant decrease in pain and mandibular dysfunction was found in all groups. Between-group analysis showed no differences in outcomes among five groups. Conclusions: All four groups who received muscle relaxants exhibited reduced pain and improved function over the period of follow-up. Muscle relaxants with sedative effects were not found to be more efficient in relieving the symptoms than were non-sedating medications. With all four drugs, the reduction of pain continued with time of follow-up. Patients in the control group, who did not receive any medication showed a similar improvement.