Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant

In this article, information about Robaxin alternatives and comparison such as Methocarbamol vs Flexeril will be provided. 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. In some cases, these drugs may be used together under the careful supervision of a physician as they can potentiate each other’s effects and side effects.

• Both Zanaflex and Flexeril are efficient muscular spasm and pain relievers.
• If pain persists despite the appropriate use of muscle relaxants, speak with your healthcare provider.
• Please note that cost should not be your primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.
• If the condition persists, a like course may be repeated after a drug-free interval of 48 hours.

While its exact mechanism of action is unknown, Robaxin (learn about Robaxin) is believed to relieve discomfort through its sedative effects. The effects of Flexeril diminish after a few days, and this tolerance can lead a person to take more than what is prescribed. Although the drug is not usually prescribed for more than a few weeks, increasing amounts of this substance may lead to dependence and addiction. Because the drug works closely with neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, it has the potential for abuse, addiction, and dependence.

Methocarbamol Vs Cyclobenzaprine Comparison

Robaxin may interact with pyridostigmine, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, or tacrine. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. This article explains how muscle relaxers work, when they are used, and which types are available for people with osteoarthritis and other types of musculoskeletal pain. It also describes the possible risks and side effects of muscle relaxers, including when they should not be used. Although Robaxin doesn’t generally cause any unwanted symptoms or side effects to occur, healthcare professionals only recommend patients to use it for actual medical reasons. Transitioning on and off the drug must also be administered carefully, as anything too abrupt can cause serious health risks.

Prostatitis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, More – Verywell Health

Prostatitis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, More.

Posted: Fri, 21 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Robaxin needs to be taken three to four times a day to provide relief from muscle pain and muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants are sometimes abused and can cause physical dependence. Abrupt discontinuation of these drugs after long-term use can cause withdrawal side effects of flexeril symptoms. These medications should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or healthcare provider. Robaxin and Flexeril are FDA approved to treat discomfort or muscle spasms from acute musculoskeletal conditions as well as tetanus.

Recent Activity

Both medications are commonly used as muscle relaxants and have been shown to relieve muscle spasms. However, the response to these medications may differ from person to person. The perceived strength and effectiveness of a medication can vary among individuals. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific needs and determine the most suitable option for you is recommended.

Aside from muscle relaxants, opioid analgesics like Vicodin are also considered. Moreover, take note that when switching medications, it is very important to consult a medical doctor. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Sep 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 28 Aug 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Aug 2023) and others.

Medication management may also be incorporated into the comprehensive treatment plan at We Level Up when appropriate and in collaboration with medical professionals. This can help individuals alleviate withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and stabilize their mental health. The use of medications is carefully assessed and tailored to each individual’s specific needs and circumstances, ensuring that it aligns with their overall treatment goals. On the other hand, Methocarbamol acts by depressing nerve activity in the spinal cord and brain, reducing muscle nerve signals and promoting muscle relaxation.

While it is effective for many individuals, its muscle relaxant effects may be milder than those of Cyclobenzaprine. Cyclobenzaprine, a tricyclic antidepressant, has a more potent muscle relaxant effect by directly affecting the central nervous system. It has a sedative effect and can contribute to muscle relaxation and relief from muscle spasms.

What Is Robaxin?

Note that both muscle relaxants can trigger allergic reactions like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you experience any unusual symptoms while on either medication, consult with your medical provider immediately. Always remember to use these medications as directed by a healthcare professional. Chronic pain from muscle spasticity related to neurological disease or injury responds best to baclofen.

To combat such instances, your doctor may end up prescribing a muscle relaxant, which helps ease the pain, contractions, and even cramping. Keep in mind that these things are most likely out of your control, and lead to prolonged painful conditions if left untreated. Flexeril is the most studied drug and hence has more supporting proof of its effectiveness. According to the experiment done on patients, they felt slightly sounder improvements in local pain with Cyclobenzaprine (48% vs. 40%). Robaxin takes 30 minutes to kick in and full effects are seen in 2 hours.