Robaxin vs Flexeril: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. Zanaflex has a half-life of around 2.5 hours while Flexeril has a half-life of 18 hours on average.

A Review of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants For Pain Management – PracticalPainManagement.com

A Review of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants For Pain Management.

Posted: Sun, 18 Dec 2016 01:14:36 GMT [source]

Abuse and dependence may occur with long-term use and lead to addictive habits. Professional treatment programs at Sunlight Recovery are designed to help you or a loved one safely detox from cyclobenzaprine flexeril maximum dosage and take back control of your life. We offer outpatient therapy, residential treatment programs and group therapy options to ensure our services meet you exactly where you are.

Related/similar drugs

Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant structurally related to tricyclic antidepr[7]essants. Cyclobenzaprine relieves skeletal muscle spasms of local origin without interfering with muscle function. In preclinical research, cyclobenzaprine reduced skeletal muscle hyperactivity. Research indicates that it primarily acts within the central nervous system in the brain stem.

Flexeril is also known to cause other side effects such as constipation and nausea. Cyclobenzaprine relieves skeletal muscle spasm of local origin without interfering with muscle function. It is ineffective in muscle spasm due to central nervous system disease. Evidence suggests that the net effect of cyclobenzaprine is a reduction of tonic somatic motor activity, influencing both gamma (γ) and alpha (α) motor systems.

These drugs can also help relieve muscle spasms and stiffness related to other physical conditions and injuries. Studies have compared cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, and other skeletal muscle relaxants and found that they are equally effective in treating acute musculoskeletal conditions. Cyclobenzaprine is one of the most studied skeletal muscle relaxants, with solid evidence and systematic reviews supporting its effectiveness. Both drugs are skeletal muscle relaxants or antispasmodic agents, but they contain different active ingredients.

• Then, one or two tablets three to four times per day or more is recommended.
• These drugs can also help relieve muscle spasms and stiffness related to other physical conditions and injuries.
• Following administration of a single 15- or 30-mg dose (as extended-release capsules), peak plasma concentrations achieved in 7–8 hours.
• This is an important step in the process that can last up to 2 weeks after stopping cyclobenzaprine usage.

Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants. Cyclobenzaprine is a tricyclic amine salt that works in the central nervous system (CNS) as a depressant that reduces muscle hyperactivity. Robaxin contains methocarbamol and is usually dosed multiple times per day. Flexeril contains cyclobenzaprine and is available in an extended-release form that can be taken once per day. Drug comparisons between cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol in terms of side effects do not reveal many differences. Both medications can cause adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and fatigue.

Is Zanaflex addictive?

If you experience these adverse effects, please seek emergency medical attention. Other medications can also act as centrally-acting muscle relaxants, such as benzodiazepines, but they’re most commonly used as anxiolytics, sedatives, or anticonvulsants. On the other hand, direct-acting muscle relaxants include dantrolene. Skeletal muscle relaxants are medications that reduce muscle contraction, so they are primarily used to relieve both acute or chronic muscle spasms and spasticity.

Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone that manifests with resistance to movement and involuntary muscle spasms and contractions. Common etiologies of spasticity include multiple sclerosis, stroke, tumor, cerebral palsy, and spinal or peripheral nerve injury. Nerve conduction studies and imaging of the brain and/or spinal cord may be requested to determine the underlying etiology. Zanaflex (tizanidine) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are muscle relaxants used to treat painful musculoskeletal conditions. If you experience neck or back strains, you may be recommended a muscle relaxant like Zanaflex or Flexeril.

If you have muscle spasms or muscle pain and plan to take skeletal muscle relaxants, please work with your healthcare provider to find the one that works best for you. Keep in mind that along with medications for short-term alleviation of pain and discomfort, rest and physical therapy can help with long-term pain relief and function. Both Zanaflex and Flexeril are drugs used for muscle spasms and pain relief from musculoskeletal conditions. Zanaflex is commonly prescribed to treat spasticity from multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury. Flexeril is often prescribed to relieve muscle pain and spasms caused by back and neck strains. Muscle relaxants are some of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat back pain and other strains or sprains.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Flexeril. You should refer to the prescribing information for Flexeril for a complete list of interactions. Skintologymdreviews.com content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. It is not recommended to consume alcohol while on Robaxin or Flexeril.