Robaxin methocarbamol vs Flexeril cyclobenzaprine Side Effects & Uses

Further classified as antispasmodic agents, Robaxin and Flexeril are effective for treating acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions that cause discomfort and muscle spasms. Four popular muscle relaxants are Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), baclofen, Robaxin (methocarbamol), and Zanaflex (tizanidine). Flexeril (a discontinued brand name in the U.S. that is still used to refer to the drug cyclobenzaprine) works at the brainstem, just below the brain, decreasing muscle activity by acting upon motor nerves. Robaxin (methocarbamol) is not fully understood, but may work on the brain and/or spinal cord. In this comparison, both drugs are under the same drug class and both have the same indications – treatment for muscle pain and spasms. Additionally, these two drugs are less sedating compared to other skeletal muscle relaxants.

• For those considering the better option between Robaxin vs Baclofen, the former is used mainly for spasticity, as a regimen for individuals suffering from a spinal injury.
• Treatment of overdose is with supportive care until the drug is cleared to nontoxic levels.
• Methocarbamol is the best-known brand, while Robaxin is an effective muscle relaxant recommended as a pain reliever for short-term muscle pain and muscle spasms.
• Patients should be cautioned that methocarbamol may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may impair their ability to operate motor vehicles or machinery.
• Less commonly experienced are urinary retention issues or significant weight changes.

According to systematic reviews, almost all muscle relaxers are comparable in effectiveness. However, cyclobenzaprine is one of the most studied muscle relaxers with strong evidence for its effectiveness. These allergic reactions can manifest as trouble breathing, severe rash, and swelling. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these adverse effects.

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The recommended starting dose of Robaxin is six grams a day for the first 48 to 72 hours of treatment. Thereafter, the dosage can usually be reduced to approximately 4 grams a day. Robaxin may interact with pyridostigmine, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, or tacrine.

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Both methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine effectively relieve symptoms of acute low back pain, including pain intensity, pain-related disability and quality of life1, 2. Regarding comparative effectiveness, there is limited direct head-to-head research comparing the two medications. Studies evaluating their effectiveness have often focused on their efficacy rather than a direct comparison. The choice between Cyclobenzaprine and Methocarbamol is typically based on factors such as the individual’s medical history, tolerability, potential drug interactions, and the treatment condition.

Muscle Relaxers: Methocarbamol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

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. The drug comparisons information provided does not cover every potential use, warning, drug interaction, side effect, or adverse or allergic reaction. RxList.com assumes no responsibility for any healthcare administered to a person based on the information found on this site. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products.

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Since Robaxin and Flexeril have CNS depressant effects, they can interact with other drugs that have similar effects. Drugs that have CNS depressant effects include barbiturates and benzodiazepines. You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA by visiting the FDA MedWatch website or calling FDA-1088. Drug information found in the drug comparisons published on RxList.com is primarily sourced from the FDA drug information.

Diseases & Conditions

Rehab facilities along the country can help to get rid of addiction and stay clean after the treatment. In Methocarbamol vs Vicodin comparison, the former is under the drug class muscle relaxant while the latter is flexeril sweating 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.

Methocarbamol is a centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant (SMR) approved for the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain. Specific FDA indications for use are vague and have not been recently reviewed. Other commonly prescribed anti-spasmodic agents include cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol. Tizanidine and diazepam have anti-spastic and anti-spasmodic properties.[3] These anti-spastic and anti-spasmodic medications have different mechanisms of action; for the scope of this review, we shall focus on methocarbamol.

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