Flexeril, Baclofen, Methocarbamol, and Tizanidine

It dampens the excitation of motor neurons, thus reducing spasticity. It is likely as effective as alternatives, with a more benign adverse event profile. It is more effective than placebo, but there is lacking evidence to determine its true efficacy in routine use. In conclusion, Cyclobenzaprine and Tizanidine have differences in their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and side effect profiles. However, they also share commonalities in their indications, muscle relaxant properties, efficacy, and cautions in certain populations.

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Physicians usually start patients off at lower doses and increase their doses, as necessary. However, tizanidine treatment starts at 2-4 mg taken three times a day while cyclobenzaprine treatment starts at 5-10mg taken three times per day. Tizanidine is a muscle relaxer that was approved by the FDA in 1996 and is used to treat stiff, rigid muscles.

Medical Professionals

According to Drugs.com, tizanidine treatment usually starts with an initial dose of 2 mg (milligrams) that is taken every six to eight hours three times a day. The dosage may then be increased to 2 to 4 mg every one to four days. If you are in the higher dosage range for Zanaflex (i.e., taking up to three doses a day at max strength), then Flexeril may be can flexeril get you high less expensive on a per-day treatment basis if you are using it once daily. However, cost should not be your primary consideration when deciding between these two muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants should always be used at the recommended dosage and for the prescribed time frame. Some muscle relaxants have abuse potential, especially with prolonged use.

• Zanaflex works to alleviate muscle spasticity by increasing the amount of alpha-2-adrenergic agonist available in the body.
• Cyclobenzaprine and Tizanidine, belonging to the muscle relaxants class, have distinct differences in several aspects.
• The dose can then be increased to up to 10 mg three times a day, depending on tolerance and efficacy.
• People with stiff or tight muscles may be prescribed tizanidine or Flexeril to help ease these mild-to-painful conditions.

You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA by visiting the FDA MedWatch website or calling FDA-1088. Also, cyclobenzaprine is chemically similar to the tricyclic class of antidepressants, according to MedicineNet. This means it shouldn’t be taken with or within two weeks of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), a medication that treats depression.

Potential for Harm in Geriatric Patients

In excess doses, Flexeril is also known to cause changes in blood pressure. Drug information found in the drug comparisons published on RxList.com is primarily sourced from the FDA drug information. The drug comparison information found in this article does not contain any data from clinical trials with human participants or animals performed by any of the drug manufacturers comparing the drugs. I saw my rheumatologist yesterday, who switched me from tizanidine to cyclobenzaprine. I remember asking her why the latter is better than the former, but I honestly can’t recall if she gave me a good reason (thanks, fibro fog!). Google search results seemed to yield fairly mixed information as to which medicine is better, stronger, more appropriate for fibro, and so forth.

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It is often used in combination with other drugs to achieve combined results. Evidence exists to support the pain-relief afforded by Diazepam, as well as to support it as a short-term adjunct to allow for the provision of other treatment that would otherwise by intolerable. Various musculoskeletal conditions can lead to tense, cramping muscles or muscle spasms. Muscle spasticity occurs when skeletal muscles contract involuntarily and cannot relax.

Zanaflex and Flexeril are two such drugs frequently prescribed for these conditions. They each impact different aspects of neuromuscular communication, but both have muscle relaxant effects in patients with muscle spasms or pain. Zanaflex is known as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist which works by blocking nerve impulses sent to your brain thereby reducing the sensation of pain. There are several alternative therapies to skeletal muscle relaxants, depending on the reason for use.

Flexeril should also be used with caution in individuals with liver problems. She has an interest in medical writing and has a keen interest in evidence-based medicine. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. To view a report comparing 3 (or more) medications, please sign in or create an account. As drug information can and will change at any time, RxList.com makes every effort to update its drug information. Due to the time-sensitive nature of drug information, RxList.com makes no guarantees that the information provided is the most current.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. However, studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus. Cyclobenzaprine therefore can be used in pregnancy if the physician feels that it is necessary. Both Cyclobenzaprine and Tizanidine can interfere with other drugs you may be taking, especially those that affect the central nervous system, including barbiturates and opioids. Generic Zanaflex is typically covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. The quantity prescribed will vary depending on the strength of the drug and your doctor’s instructions.

The FDA reports that in 8 double-blind randomized controlled trials, they have found statistically significant indications for use of Flexeril in acute musculoskeletal injury. Flexeril is effective in reducing muscle spasm, pain, tenderness to palpation, and limited range of motion. Interestingly, the FDA does not approve Flexeril for the use in central nervous system produced muscle spasticity, including in children with cerebral palsy. They report that this is not due to evidence that it is ineffective, but rather lack of data on long term uses of Flexeril, as its main function is in the acute setting. As the name suggests, muscle relaxants (also called skeletal muscle relaxants) are medications that relax muscles or reduce tension in muscles which, in turn, alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by muscle spasms.