Tizanidine vs Flexeril Comparison and Other Zanaflex Alternatives

Because of limited comparable effectiveness data, choice of agent should be based on side-effect profile, patient preference, abuse potential, and possible drug interactions. Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that can be prescribed as part of a treatment for muscle spasticity that includes physical therapy and rest. The brand name Flexeril has been discontinued in the U.S., but its generic form, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, is still sold in the country. Generic forms may be sold under Amrix, an extended-release capsule, and Fexmid, an immediate-release capsule. The medication also works on the central nervous system and blocks nerve signals to the brain, which helps to relax muscles and prevent spasms. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and muscle weakness.

However, it should only be used short-term (up to two or three weeks), as its effectiveness beyond this time period has not been proven. Deciding between the two depends on factors such as the type of muscle spasm or pain you are experiencing and their possible side effects and dosing. Therefore, we always suggest consulting your doctor before choosing either of these medications. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data.

Are there any potential serious side effects for Zanaflex?

In conclusion, Cyclobenzaprine and Tizanidine have differences in their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and side effect profiles. However, they also share commonalities in their indications, muscle relaxant properties, efficacy, and cautions in certain populations. Understanding these similarities can help patients and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about which medication may be more suitable for individual needs.

• Both Zanaflex and Flexeril are efficient muscular spasm and pain relievers.
• If other treatments don’t work to alleviate the pain, providers may recommend a muscle relaxant.
• Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.
• Zanaflex has the potential to cause hypotension or abnormally low blood pressure.

However, there is much more clinical research on the effects of cyclobenzaprine for fibromyalgia than tizanidine. You also shouldn’t stop taking tizanidine or cyclobenzaprine suddenly. This is especially likely if you’ve been taking either drug for a long time. Don’t drink alcohol while using either tizanidine or cyclobenzaprine. Drinking alcohol with either drug may cause severe drowsiness and make you much less alert. This effect can make activities such as driving difficult and unsafe.

Zanaflex Vs Flexeril: Who Is More Effective?

Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center.

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used in treating musculoskeletal conditions. However, evidence of their effectiveness consists mainly of studies with poor methodologic design. In addition, these drugs have not been proven to be superior to acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low back pain. Comparison studies have not shown one skeletal muscle relaxant to be superior to another. Cyclobenzaprine is the most heavily studied and has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions.

Fibromyalgia Treatment: OTC Remedies, Prescriptions & More – Verywell Health

Fibromyalgia Treatment: OTC Remedies, Prescriptions & More.

Posted: Wed, 08 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

While Tizanidine is non-narcotic, it does lead some people to become dependent on it. What differentiates it from a narcotic is the way it works in your body. It blocks nerve receptors at the muscle level instead of binding directly to pain receptors. This causes a false perception that one cannot become dependent on Tizanidine. Tizanidine is an oral drug that can be taken either as a capsule or a tablet. The absorption rates are different and can even impact the rates of muscle spasms.

Users are urged to follow all directions on their prescription label and know that their doctor could occasionally change their dose. Prescription muscle relaxers can be effective in treating spasticity, muscle spasms and muscle-related pain. But it’s important to weigh the possible risks of these medications, including their side effects and addiction potential. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all the options available to treat your symptoms.

Tizanidine is an oral drug that is available both in generic and brand name. It is a type of muscle relaxant used for very specific types of muscle spasms. These are muscle spasms caused in people with spinal cord injuries and Multiple Sclerosis. Antispastic medications are effective in treating spasticity, but high doses can lead to unwanted side effects. Other treatments can help with spasticity as well, including physical therapy and Botox® injections. Four popular muscle relaxants are Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), baclofen, Robaxin (methocarbamol), and Zanaflex (tizanidine).

Zanaflex vs. Flexeril

Its action on these neurotransmitters may also contribute to its sedative effects – this can be beneficial for patients who have difficulty sleeping due to their muscle spasms. Muscle tightness, tension, and pain usually arise due to muscle spasms and spasticity. Although various factors can can you take acetaminophen with flexeril cause it, muscle spasm is a common symptom of most musculoskeletal conditions. Tizanidine vs. Flexeril are both FDA-approved skeletal muscle relaxants and both belong to prescription-only drugs. Physicians usually start patients off at lower doses and increase their doses, as necessary.