Muscle Relaxers: Methocarbamol vs Cyclobenzaprine

The other dosage form of this medicine is an injection solution into a muscle or into a vein. Robaxin needs to be taken three to four times a day to provide relief from muscle pain and muscle spasms. Drinking alcohol can be especially dangerous when taking muscle relaxers. Alcohol increases the sedative effects of the drugs and, in some cases, can lead to severe respiratory depression and death.

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

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

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It can also lead to impaired coordination, which can cause accidents. Also, taking a muscle relaxant with alcohol can increase the chance of abuse or dependence. Flexeril is also a muscle relaxant used to treat skeletal muscle spasms. For the treatment of painful peripheral musculoskeletal conditions and spasticity from upper motor neuron syndromes.

They can be used “on demand” when acute pain strikes but are generally not the drugs of choice for chronic musculoskeletal pain. While they all have similar mechanisms of action (in that they directly act on the central nervous system), they have different chemical structures and indications for use. Some have stronger sedative effects than others, while others are used to treat specific medical conditions (for example, injuries or diseases of the spinal cord). Pregabalin (Lyrica), an analogue of Lyrica, is possibly superior to gabapentin for anxiety or chronic nerve pain relief but takes about a week to work. It is also a controlled medication due to its addiction potential and is very expensive at this time.

Doctors weigh the benefits versus the risks of each prescription on a case to case basis. When in doubt, always seek the opinion of a medical professional. The generic versions of Skelaxin and Flexeril are Metaxalone and Cyclobenzaprine, which are the most routinely prescribed. It’s unclear how they function; however it could be linked to the central nervous system (CNS) depression and sedative effects.

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According to American Family Physician, there is very little evidence comparing muscle relaxants and their efficacy. They advise that muscle relaxants be chosen based on the risk of side effects, drug interactions, and abuse, as well as patient preference. Among those known to be habit-forming are Amrix, Ativan, Restoril, Soma, and Valium.

It is the brand name of a drug called cyclobenzaprine, a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and a skeletal muscle relaxant. The two main possible complications of taking muscle relaxers are the potential for overdose and dangerous interactions with alcohol. The other prescription muscle relaxants aren’t controlled substances. 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. Below are some of the more common types of interventional pain treatments.

Skelaxin vs Flexeril – Comparison

If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Flexeril is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism and other heart issues. Metaxalone is contraindicated in patients with anemia and in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function.

• There are no documented studies that show superior efficacy of one skeletal muscle relaxant over another.
• It is an effective alternative that reduces pain and allows patients to resume normal, daily activities.
• It was also available in the dose of 400 mg but it was discontinued because of low efficacy rate.
• Each type of prescription muscle relaxer has different possible side effects.
• This publication also reiterates the importance of short-term use of muscle relaxants and that physical therapy and other measures should be taken to prevent long-term use of a muscle relaxant.
• The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.

Use of Flexeril for periods longer than two or three weeks is not recommended. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice regarding drug interactions. It’s important to thoroughly inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions because muscle relaxants might not be suitable for certain diseases and conditions. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Flexeril is structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline). Because of this, there is an increased risk of seizures when taken with tramadol. Skelaxin and Flexeril can potentiate the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, antihistamines, and sedative-hypnotics.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch. Some muscle relaxants cause greater drowsiness than others, especially certain benzodiazepines. Skelaxin is a Brand name for muscle relaxant medicine is flexeril a muscle relaxant that contains metaxalone as an active ingredient. This medicine works by blocking transmission of nerve impulses in the brain thus relieving pain sensations. This medication is used to relieve discomfort and pain caused by muscle spasms or injuries, and to relax muscles.