Muscle Relaxers Prescribed for Arthritis: Uses and Risks

Also, cyclobenzaprine is chemically similar to the tricyclic class of antidepressants, according to MedicineNet. This means it shouldn’t be taken with or within two weeks of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), a medication that treats depression. During spasticity, “the muscles remain contracted and resist being stretched, thus affecting movement, speech and gait,” the American Association of Neurological Surgeons explains.

Flexeril is effective in reducing muscle spasm, pain, tenderness to palpation, and limited range of motion. Interestingly, the FDA does not approve Flexeril for the use in central nervous system produced muscle spasticity, including in children with cerebral palsy. They report that this is not due to evidence that it is ineffective, but rather lack of data on long term uses of Flexeril, as its main function is in the acute setting. Diazepam can be considered as a short-term treatment for spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

Cyclobenzaprine vs. Zanaflex

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. Some people may abuse Flexeril by mixing it with alcohol or opioids to enhance the effects of these other drugs. In this blog post, we’ll explore some key differences melatonin and flexeril between both medications to help you determine which option would offer better relief for your condition. You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA by visiting the FDA MedWatch website or calling FDA-1088. Drug information found in the drug comparisons published on RxList.com is primarily sourced from the FDA drug information.

• Both tizanidine (Zanaflex) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) are effective muscle relaxants commonly used for the treatment of muscle spasms.
• We Level Up is a renowned rehabilitation center for its comprehensive methods in assisting individuals with addiction to Cyclobenzaprine and co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Zanaflex and Flexeril are two such drugs frequently prescribed for these conditions.
• Cyclobenzaprine is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.

The effects of diazepam have been proven, although mostly in dated studies, to be effective in reducing muscle tone and improving symptoms in patients with cerebral palsy. In comparative studies, diazepam was comparable to other top of the line muscle relaxants and was even additive with some that work at other receptor sites. When given to young patient, the side effects of diazepam should be considered, especially because it can be toxic to the liver and can cause an immunodeficiency. 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.

What Is the Best Alternative to Tizanidine?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen are usually taken with or without acetaminophen. Like Tizanidine, Methocarbamol, a generic name for Robaxin, has sedative effects and can be used to treat sleep difficulties. Methocarbamol and Tizanidine share specific side effects like constipation and dizziness. However, since it is related to the tricyclic antidepressants, some of which are excreted in breast milk, caution is advised in using this medication in women who are breastfeeding. Flexeril is known to cause serotonin syndrome, especially when taken with certain antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and opioids. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome should be monitored when starting treatment with Flexeril.

It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. Zanaflex has a half-life of around 2.5 hours while Flexeril has a half-life of 18 hours on average. Zanaflex only comes in immediate-release oral tablets and capsules while Flexeril comes in an extended-release capsule. Zanaflex has the potential to cause hypotension or abnormally low blood pressure.

Each type of prescription muscle relaxer has different possible side effects. It’s important to talk to your provider or a pharmacist about possible side effects of the specific medication you’re taking or thinking of taking. Healthcare providers mainly prescribe antispastic muscle relaxers to treat spasticity.

With a Zanaflex discount coupon, the retail cost can be less than $10 for 30, 4 mg tablets. Because cyclobenzaprine is considered a cyclical antidepressant, it cannot be taken with many other types of antidepressant medications. Both Cyclobenzaprine and Tizanidine can interfere with other drugs you may be taking, especially those that affect the central nervous system, including barbiturates and opioids. Any drug information published on RxList.com regarding general drug information, drug side effects, drug usage, dosage, and more are sourced from the original drug documentation found in its FDA drug monograph. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Should doctors reconsider prescribing these drugs? – MD Linx

Should doctors reconsider prescribing these drugs?.

Posted: Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Tizanidine tends not to be prescribed until other options like NSAIDs or physical therapy have failed or aren’t suitable. Muscle relaxers (also called muscle relaxants) are prescription medications that affect muscle function. Healthcare providers prescribe them to treat several symptoms, such as muscle spasms, spasticity and musculoskeletal pain. Cyclobenzaprine, or Flexeril, is a centrally acting muscle relaxant.

Therefore, we always suggest consulting your doctor before choosing either of these medications. The risk of dependence is increased when benzodiazepines are prescribed alongside opioid drugs like fentanyl. If the doctor prescribes 500 mg tablets, they may recommend three tablets initially and two to maintain the effect. If they prescribe 750-mg tablets, they may recommend two initially and one or two to maintain the effect.