Robaxin vs Flexeril: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

The immediate effects of cyclobenzaprine typically last from 4 to 6 hours after oral consumption of the medication. However, cyclobenzaprine, even the immediate-release formulation, has a half-life of 18 hours. Extended-release forms of the drug remain in your system for up to 37 hours. This means that people abusing a cyclobenzaprine high can be affected for a prolonged period.

• Robaxin needs to be taken three to four times a day to provide relief from muscle pain and muscle spasms.
• However, cyclobenzaprine is one of the most studied muscle relaxers with strong evidence for its effectiveness.
• Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone that manifests with resistance to movement and involuntary muscle spasms and contractions.
• There are no adequate studies to show that Robaxin or Flexeril are safe or harmful during pregnancy.
• Keep in mind that regular cyclobenzaprine tablets may require dosing of up to 3 times a day.

Flexeril is also known to cause other side effects such as constipation and nausea. Cyclobenzaprine relieves skeletal muscle spasm of local origin without interfering with muscle function. It is ineffective in muscle spasm due to central nervous system disease. Evidence suggests that the net effect of cyclobenzaprine is a reduction of tonic somatic motor activity, influencing both gamma (γ) and alpha (α) motor systems.

Cyclobenzaprine Dosage and Administration

Also, methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are not recommended in pregnant women, elderly adults, and young children. 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.

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Both cyclobenzaprine and tizanidine were found to be effective for musculoskeletal conditions such as acute neck or back pain. You may be skeptical about the possibility of a cyclobenzaprine high. One report found that some people were engaging in cyclobenzaprine recreational use, in combination with illicit drugs, in an attempt to experience psychoactive effects.

Alcohol can compound muscle-relaxant side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or loss of coordination. Muscle relaxants should be avoided or monitored before operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Muscle relaxants like Robaxin or Flexeril can cause increased dizziness or drowsiness and impair cognitive performance. Even if you have insurance, the prices of Robaxin, Fexmid, Amrix, and other muscle relaxants may be cheaper through the BuzzRx discount program.

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. Both Zanaflex and Flexeril are drugs used for muscle scivation flexeril spasms and pain relief from musculoskeletal conditions. Zanaflex is commonly prescribed to treat spasticity from multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury. Flexeril is often prescribed to relieve muscle pain and spasms caused by back and neck strains. Muscle relaxants are some of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat back pain and other strains or sprains.

Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants. Cyclobenzaprine is a tricyclic amine salt that works in the central nervous system (CNS) as a depressant that reduces muscle hyperactivity. Robaxin contains methocarbamol and is usually dosed multiple times per day. Flexeril contains cyclobenzaprine and is available in an extended-release form that can be taken once per day. 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.

International Patients

Some people may prefer extended-release generic Flexeril for its once-daily dosing. But, Flexeril may also cause more adverse effects like drowsiness and dry mouth. Discuss these treatment options with a doctor to find the best medication for you. Both Robaxin and Flexeril work in similar ways through acting on the central nervous system (CNS).

Abuse and dependence may occur with long-term use and lead to addictive habits. Professional treatment programs at Sunlight Recovery are designed to help you or a loved one safely detox from cyclobenzaprine and take back control of your life. We offer outpatient therapy, residential treatment programs and group therapy options to ensure our services meet you exactly where you are.

Cyclobenzaprine acts a muscle relaxant and can be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions that result in muscle spasms. It’s also prescribed when patients have strained muscles through physical activity and need immediate relief. It’s sold under the brand names Flexeril and Amrix in the United States. The drug acts on the central nervous system — specifically, on the brain, rather than the spinal cord.