Robaxin vs Flexeril: Differences & Side Effects

Also known as Carisoprodol, Soma, much like Xanax, has the potential for being abused and therefore should be stopped if there is a concern or a patient’s predisposition to substance abuse. Choosing Gablofen over Soma is normal as Soma offers greater side effects. Also, avoid using Soma in people over 65 and always go for better options if available. Even if prescribed, use only for two to three weeks as prolonged use has no evidence of showing effectiveness. There is a key difference between the dosing instructions for each of the medications. Cyclobenzaprine should be taken at doses ranging from 5-10 mg three times per day with no more than 30 mg daily, while Tizanidine usually begins with 2-4 mg per day but can increase up to 36 mg as needed.

Withdrawal symptoms have been noted with the discontinuation of chronic cyclobenzaprine use. It is more widely recognized by its trade name Zanaflex, and it was first approved for muscle spasm treatment in 1996. Only a medical professional can prescribe this medication, which acts on the central nervous system and treats multiple sclerosis and certain spinal injuries.

Most healthcare professionals agree that muscle relaxants are overprescribed, especially since the risks and adverse effects outweigh the benefits in some cases (1). Gablofen vs. Flexeril comparison reveals in detail the similarities and differences between the two popularly prescribed muscle relaxants. While Gablofen and Flexeril are muscle relaxants, the former is the best choice for long-term use, while Flexeril is better for short-term use. Lioresal also will be the better option for the cases of multiple sclerosis, treating alcoholism and spinal cord issues. Lastly, they should also remember to stick to the prescription and if they notice any chance of an addiction, report it to their physician or medical health professional immediately.

Intrathecal baclofen is generally considered if a patient demonstrates adverse effects or no response to oral delivery (2). Antispasmodic and antispastic drugs aren’t interchangeable for muscle pain treatment, although a handful of drugs (such as tizanidine and diazepam) can exhibit both antispastic and antispasmodic properties (1). A sensitivity analysis was also performed to assess the effects of study quality, year of publication, duration of treatment, type of back pain, and whether Merck, Sharpe and Dohme sponsored the study. We also explored the effect of dropping individual studies from our meta-analysis, also without significant effect on our summary OR. Thirteen articles18,21,24,25,30-37 reported a global measure of symptom improvement. While articles reported this outcome at various time points, only global improvement at the end of the trials was present in a sufficient number of studies to be considered reliable enough for this analysis.

It is also injected into the spinal cord (intrathecal) for management of severe spasticity. Cyclobenzaprine has been compared to Valium (diazepam) and Soma (carisoprodol) in clinical trials. Cyclobenzaprine was similarly effective to these drugs for treating acute low back pain. Some people prefer Fexmid and Amrix over Robaxin because it is dosed once a day rather than 3 to 4 times a day. On the other hand, they can cause more adverse effects such as dry mouth and drowsiness.

Related Disease Conditions

During spasticity, “the muscles remain contracted and resist being stretched, thus affecting movement, speech and gait,” the American Association of Neurological Surgeons explains. The beads can contain a layer of organic acid or alkaline buffer to control a drug’s solubility by creating an optimal pH microenvironment. Alternatively, Diffucaps beads can contain a solid solution of drug and crystallization inhibitor to enhance bioavailability by maintaining the drug in its amorphous state. Other antispasmodic agents include carisoprodol, metaxalone, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, and chlorzoxazone (1).

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Additionally, if you’re pregnant or nursing, you should use baclofen only if the perceived benefits of the drug outweigh the risks to the fetus or infant (2). Don’t opt for an excessively long treatment duration with baclofen, as you might find yourself dealing with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms as you try to wind down the treatment. Cyclobenzaprine functions as a depressant and sedative agent for the central nervous system, specifically acting on the spinal cord and reducing muscle hyperactivity (8). Muscles are innervated (stimulated to action) by nerves from the spinal cord, and cyclobenzaprine dulls the signals sent out by these nerves.

Baclofen vs. Flexeril

Drugs that have CNS depressant effects include barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Robaxin, known by its generic name methocarbamol, was released on the market in the 1960s. While its exact mechanism of action is flexeril antidepressant unknown, Robaxin (learn about Robaxin) is believed to relieve discomfort through its sedative effects. Generic methocarbamol is around $6.25 for 30 tablets of the 500mg dose with a BuzzRx drug discount card.

• Although all skeletal muscle relaxants should be used with caution in older patients, diazepam especially should be avoided in older patients or in patients with significant cognitive or hepatic impairment.
• However, no research suggests that long-term cyclobenzaprine use is safe or effective.
• Generally, cyclobenzaprine is more effective in treating acute musculoskeletal pain due to an injury in the back or neck.
• This drug does not come in over the counter form and always requires a prescription.
• Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) is indicated for treating pain and muscle spasms related to short-term skeletal problems and muscle pain.

Gablofen is a better option for spasticity and spinal cord diseases, while Robaxin is used mainly for muscle spasm issues. Both Flexeril vs. Baclofen can have minor, moderate, or major interactions, leading to extreme side effects or even death. Notably, a case from 2016, where a 24-year-old male who was addicted to smoking was prescribed the drug as part of his addiction treatment and given a low dose prescription of Baclofen. Since both of these drugs, cyclobenzaprine vs. Baclofen, can affect how the patient’s muscles work, it is assumed that they’re strong enough to cause addictions on their own. Flexeril doesn’t have a lot of potential for misuse when taken on its own since it doesn’t provide the user with any psychoactive effects.

Though some addictions start on the street, many begin within the home with prescription medications. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. A long-acting formulation of cyclobenzaprine has been introduced and is believed by some clinicians to have a lower side effect profile than the immediate-release formulation of this drug. Elderly patients seem to tolerate cyclobenzaprine less and may develop hallucinations as well as significant anticholinergic side effects, such as sedation.