Robaxin vs Flexeril: Differences & Side Effects

Therefore, you should wait and see how these medications affect you before driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. 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. Also, cyclobenzaprine can cause dry mouth because it has anticholinergic effects. It is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatment. Another option is to select a specific muscle relaxant (such as methocarbamol or other drugs of the same class) based on the quality of the drug and the condition of the patient.

Zanaflex is a brand name for Tizanidine and is also a prescription medication; hence care should be taken when using this medication as the side effects are numerous. When comparing Methocarbamol vs Tizanidine, the most important aspect to consider is the possibility of physical dependency. The former has very little risk of addiction, while tapering is advised for the latter in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms, especially for patients who have been on high doses for an extended period. Robaxin is best for spasms while Tizanidine relieves muscle spasticity and is quite effective for long-term headaches.

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Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness. As this medication is closely related to tricyclic antidepressants, you should avoid it if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant. Moreover, since it passes into breast milk and may negatively affect the infant, avoid this muscle relaxant if you are breastfeeding a baby. It is used to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by muscle injuries. This medication works by preventing muscle spasms without affecting overall muscle control and function.

Moreover, take note that when switching medications, it is very important to consult a medical doctor. Methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are not recommended in elderly adults. Both medications are on the BEERS list, a recognized list of medications prepared by the American Geriatrics Society. Muscle relaxants with CNS depressant effects can increase the risk of dizziness, falls, and serious injury in the elderly. Serotonergic drugs including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can also cause CNS effects.

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Anyone with a history of substance abuse should mention this medical history to their doctor. 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. Skeletal muscle relaxants are prescription medications commonly used to treat muscle pain and muscle spasms. If you have back pain or have suffered a strain or sprain, your healthcare provider may offer you a skeletal muscle relaxant such as methocarbamol (Robaxin) or cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid, Amrix). It is used in the treatment of muscle spasms resulting from injury, musculoskeletal disorders, tetanus and other disorders.

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As always, any changes to your medication regimen should be guided by your healthcare provider. Both methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine effectively relieve symptoms of acute low back pain, including pain intensity, pain-related disability and quality of life1, 2. The perceived strength and effectiveness of a medication can vary among individuals. Factors such as the severity of muscle spasms, personal flexeril.live response to the medication, and the specific condition being treated can influence the perceived strength and effectiveness of Methocarbamol or Cyclobenzaprine. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific needs and determine the most suitable option for you is recommended. Methocarbamol is a medication commonly used to relieve muscle pain and discomfort.

Robaxin, known by its generic name methocarbamol, was released on the market in the 1960s. While its exact mechanism of action is unknown, Robaxin (learn about Robaxin) is believed to relieve discomfort through its sedative effects. It should be avoided in nursing mothers to prevent any adverse effects to the newborn. There are no adequate studies of methocarbamol to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. Methocarbamol should be avoided in pregnant mothers to avoid any risk to the unborn. Also, methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are not recommended in pregnant women, elderly adults, and young children.

BACK AND NECK PAIN

In this article, information about Robaxin alternatives and comparison such as Methocarbamol vs Flexeril will be provided. In some cases, these drugs may be used together under the careful supervision of a physician as they can potentiate each other’s effects and side effects. 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.

• Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.
• Neither Robaxin nor Flexeril should be taken if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or have been using them within the past two weeks.
• Also, cyclobenzaprine can cause dry mouth because it has anticholinergic effects.
• This prescription medication is used together with physical therapy, rest, and other ways to relax muscles and relieve discomfort and pain caused by sprains, strains, and other muscle injuries.
• The drug comparisons information provided does not cover every potential use, warning, drug interaction, side effect, or adverse or allergic reaction.

For patients dealing with muscle spasms and pain, certain medications that relax the muscles can help in managing discomfort and facilitating recovery. Robaxin and Flexeril are two such drugs often prescribed for these conditions. They each impact different pathways within the nervous system but both have muscle-relaxant effects on patients suffering from painful musculoskeletal conditions. Robaxin (Methocarbamol) functions by suppressing nerve impulses traveling to the brain, thus decreasing the sensation of pain.

Evidence of Effectiveness

It is believed to work by blocking nerve impulses sent to your brain, reducing the sensation of pain. It’s often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for various acute painful muscular conditions. Skeletal muscle relaxants are often prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions including low back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome. The goals of treatment include managing muscle pain and improving functional status so the patient can return to work or resume previous activities.