Cyclobenzaprine vs Tizanidine: Which is the Better Muscle Relaxer?

The specific use of these medications may vary depending on the individual patient, their medical condition, and the healthcare professional’s assessment. Flexeril, also known as cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant that works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Cyclobenzaprine and Tizanidine are both effective and safe options for treating muscle spasms and pain. Both of these drugs work to treat fibromyalgia pain and decrease muscle spasms.

What are some of the best medications for muscle pain? – Medical News Today

What are some of the best medications for muscle pain?.

Posted: Fri, 22 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) and Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) are both muscle relaxants. They are used by medical personnel to treat muscle tightness arising from painful musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products.

How can I get a prescription for one of these muscle relaxants?

The table below summarizes other drug features of both tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine. Zanaflex has the potential to cause hypotension or abnormally low blood pressure. This effect typically manifests as orthostatic hypotension which occurs when a person moves to an upright position after lying down. In excess doses, Flexeril is also known to cause changes in blood pressure. Flexeril can interact with serotonergic drugs like antidepressants and MAO inhibitors. Taking these drugs with Flexeril can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.

• Although they are both significant in treating sustained muscle contractions and discomfort, they have unique differences that must be understood.
• If you experience neck or back strains, you may be recommended a muscle relaxant like Zanaflex or Flexeril.
• However, like other muscle relaxers, it can be abused by some people.
• Tizanidine is an oral drug that can be taken either as a capsule or a tablet.
• Flexeril should also be used with caution in individuals with liver problems.

Flexeril is generally indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm while Zanaflex is used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury. Oral dosages of Zanaflex range from 4–36 mg/day, but studies have indicated that starting with a dose of 4 mg/day is suitable for most people to manage muscle spasticity. The dosage may be increased gradually over a few weeks if there is no response, up to a maximum daily dosage of 36 mg. In comparison, Flexeril can be taken in doses from 5-10mg three times per day but should not exceed a total of 30mg per day.

Although this is not exhaustive of the list of options, these serve as excellent muscle relaxants in the face of mild muscle tension and spasms. OTC drugs are usually the first-line treatment for muscle discomfort and tension against more potent drugs like tizanidine. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is not usually addictive because it doesn’t produce feelings of euphoria or pleasure. However, it is physically habit-forming, so taking it for extended periods of time can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. People should never stop taking Zanaflex without directions to do so from their doctor.

What do muscle relaxers do?

Zanaflex only comes in immediate-release oral tablets and capsules while Flexeril comes in an extended-release capsule. Flexeril is known to cause serotonin syndrome, especially when taken with certain antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, can you take flexeril with motrin and opioids. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome should be monitored when starting treatment with Flexeril. As drug information can and will change at any time, RxList.com makes every effort to update its drug information.

There are no over-the-counter (OTC) muscle relaxants in the United States. But some OTC medications can help muscle issues (like soreness), such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen. Muscle relaxants are often prescribed to treat pain caused by muscle spasms, and each medication works by a different mechanism of action. Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Zanaflex (tizanidine) are used to relieve muscle tension and cramping (spasm) caused by acute, painful musculoskeletal diseases.

Which Is Stronger: Tizanidine or Flexeril?

Whether you’ve experienced persistent muscle pain or occasional spasms due to a medical condition, your doctor may have prescribed a muscle relaxer, also called a muscle relaxant. Comparison between Baclofen vs. Tizanidine depicts the similarities between them. They are both administered to treat sustained muscle contractions due to debilitating musculoskeletal conditions like multiple sclerosis. However, unlike Zanaflex, Baclofen is a first-choice treatment for spasms. They both become helpful when conventional pain relievers fail to ease muscle pain. When taken together with alcohol or alcoholic beverages, they may interact to cause severe CNS depression.

It’s important to only use Tizanidine as directed and to use caution when pairing it with other medications. Let your doctor know about every medicine or herbal product you are taking when you start on Tizanidine. This will help them decide between tablet and capsule and the best dosing.

Tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine can interact with certain other drugs. In rare cases, liver problems from these drugs may cause hepatitis (inflammation of your liver) and jaundice (yellowing of your skin and whites of eyes). During spasticity, “the muscles remain contracted and resist being stretched, thus affecting movement, speech and gait,” the American Association of Neurological Surgeons explains. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Zanaflex may cause liver injury in some people, especially those who have a history of liver impairment. Flexeril should also be used with caution in individuals with liver problems.