What is the difference between flexeril and robaxin

Flexeril was initially approved by the FDA in the s. It primarily works on the brain stem and spinal cord in the CNS, which helps reduce motor activity. Flexeril is also structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants and has similar side effects such as dry mouth and sedation. Flexeril is commonly known by its generic name cyclobenzaprine. Brand-name Flexeril has been discontinued; however, cyclobenzaprine is available in two other brand names: Amrix extended-release and Fexmid immediate-release.

The extended-release tablet can be taken once per day. Sign up for Robaxin price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get price alerts.

Robaxin and Flexeril are FDA approved to treat discomfort or muscle spasms from acute musculoskeletal conditions as well as tetanus. Robaxin or Flexeril are usually prescribed to treat musculoskeletal pain such as neck pain. Both drugs are also often used to treat low back pain, a common problem in adults in the US. Flexeril has also been studied to treat fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by muscle pain all over the body.

Those with fibromyalgia may experience widespread muscle pain as well as problems with sleep, fatigue, and mood. According to a meta-analysis of five clinical trials, cyclobenzaprine was found to improve sleep and pain in patients with fibromyalgia over a period of up to 24 weeks.

Robaxin and Flexeril are effective treatments for treating musculoskeletal pain and muscle spasms. The more effective drug is the one that works best for your specific case.

Flexeril is one of the most studied muscle relaxants; thus, it has more supporting evidence for its effectiveness. In a systematic review , it was found that, in general, muscle relaxants are comparable in effectiveness. This review included other muscle relaxants such as metaxalone, baclofen, tizanidine, orphenadrine, and chlorzoxazone.

In a head-to-head trial between methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine, there was no significant difference in muscle spasms or tenderness. 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. Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice to find the best treatment options for you. After a complete assessment from a doctor, one drug may be preferred depending on your overall medical history.

Generic Robaxin tablets are usually covered by Medicare and insurance plans. Get the SingleCare prescription discount card. Generic cyclobenzaprine tablets are often covered by Medicare and insurance plans. Even if you do have insurance, it may be a good idea to find out if you can get a cheaper price on muscle relaxants. The most common side effects of Robaxin and Flexeril are drowsiness, dizziness, and headache.

Flexeril may be associated with more drowsiness compared to Robaxin. Because of its anticholinergic properties, Flexeril can also cause dry mouth. More serious side effects include hypersensitivity reactions. These allergic reactions can manifest as trouble breathing, severe rash, and swelling. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these adverse effects.

This may not be a complete list. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for possible side effects. Clin Trials J. Treatment of chronic low-back syndrome with tetrazepam in a placebo controlled double-blind trial. J Drug Dev. Scheiner JJ. Cyclobenzaprine in the treatment of local muscle spasm. Minneapolis, Minn. Aiken DW. A comparative study of the effects of cyclobenzaprine, diazepam, and placebo on acute skeletal muscle spasm of local origin.

Brown BR jr, Womble J. Cyclobenzaprine in intractable pain syndrome with muscle spasms. Basmajian JV. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride effect on skeletal muscle spasm in the lumbar region and neck: two double-blind controlled clinical laboratory studies.

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Cyclobenzaprine and back pain: a meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. Cyclobenzaprine and naproxen versus naproxen alone in the treatment of acute low back pain and muscle spasm. Clin Ther. Low-dose cyclobenzaprine versus combination therapy with ibuprofen for acute neck or back pain with muscle spasm: a randomized trial.

Curr Med Res Opin. Management of acute musculoskeletal conditions: thoracolumbar strain or sprain. Double-blind evaluation comparing the efficacy and safety of carisoprodol with diazepam. Today's Ther Trends. Bragstad A, Blikra G. Evaluation of a new skeletal muscle relaxant in the treatment of lower back pain a comparison of DS — with chlorzoxazone.

Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. A clinical and pharmacologic review of skeletal muscle relaxants for musculoskeletal conditions. Am J Ther. Borenstein DG, Korn S.

Efficacy of a low-dose regimen of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride in acute skeletal muscle spasm: results of two placebo-controlled trials. Carisoprodol: a marginally effective skeletal muscle relaxant with serious abuse potential. Hosp Pharm. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP.

Contact afpserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Aug 1, Issue. Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant. C 12 , 13 , 15 Skeletal muscle relaxants may be used as adjunctive therapy for acute low back pain. B 17 , 18 Antispasmodic agents should be used short-term two weeks for acute low back pain.

C 17 , 18 There is no clear evidence that one skeletal muscle relaxant is superior to another for musculoskeletal spasms. B 17 , 18 Choice of skeletal muscle relaxant should be based on individual drug characteristics and patient situation. Read the full article. Get immediate access, anytime, anywhere. Choose a single article, issue, or full-access subscription. Earn up to 6 CME credits per issue.

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Sign up for the free AFP email table of contents. Navigate this Article. Most studied skeletal muscle relaxant. Long elimination half-life. Avoid in older patients and in patients with glaucoma. Possible drug interaction with CYP inhibitors. FDA pregnancy category B. Also an antispastic agent. Complete blood count and liver function tests indicated for prolonged use. FDA pregnancy category D; avoid especially in the first trimester.

Reduced dosages in older patients. Avoid in patients with glaucoma, cardiospasm, or myasthenia gravis. FDA pregnancy category C. Also antispastic agent. Caution with CYP1A2 inhibitors, central nervous system depressants, or alcohol. In Methocarbamol vs Vicodin comparison, the former is under the drug class muscle relaxant while the latter is an opioid analgesic.

In terms of Methocarbamol vs Vicodin abuse potential, Vicodin, as a narcotic analgesic combination is used for severe muscle and joint pain ; however, the potential for abuse is extremely high. For patients wondering which is better between Methocarbamol vs Vicodin, the comparison favors the former as the option with a far lower risk of addiction and dependency. Dabbling in between different medications like Methocarbamol vs Flexeril and making switches for more efficient options without consulting a doctor can be very dangerous.

Concomitant mixtures, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can be fatal. It is imperative to discuss with a physician the health conditions faced, and the current medication in order to get safe recommendations.

These medications are specifically dangerous for people of age 65 years and above or 16 and below. It is also a health risk for pregnant women and the fetus. There is also a risk of Robaxin abuse. It is highly recommended to seek professional help if any signs of addictive behavior have been noticed in patients. Rehab facilities along the country can help to get rid of addiction and stay clean after the treatment.

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