Key takeaways:
Robaxin (methocarbamol) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are both muscle relaxers, but there are differences between them to consider.
When it comes to Robaxin versus Flexeril, Robaxin may be less sedating and has fewer drug interactions. But Flexeril comes in a wider variety of dosage forms and typically requires fewer daily doses.
Neither Robaxin nor Flexeril is considered a first-choice option for treating muscle pain. But Flexeril has more evidence supporting its use. The active ingredient in Flexeril is also FDA approved for fibromyalgia, while Robaxin is not.
Robaxin and Flexeril are both available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you find ways to save on the cost of your muscle relaxer prescription.
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Muscle pain and spasms can make even simple daily tasks seem impossible. Robaxin (methocarbamol) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are two muscle relaxers that can help. But what are the differences between them? Here, we’ll do a comparison of Robaxin versus Flexeril to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Good to know: Robaxin and Flexeril are both brand-name medications that are no longer made, but are still available in generic form. We’ll be referring to them by their brand names throughout this article, since that’s how many people still refer to these medications.
1. Robaxin and Flexeril come in different doses and dosage forms
Robaxin and Flexeril come in different dosage forms. You also take them differently.
Robaxin comes in 500 mg and 750 mg tablets. The recommended dosage when you start taking the medication is 1,500 mg four times a day (6,000 mg daily) for 2 to 3 days. Your prescriber may then reduce your dosage to 4,000 mg to 4,500 mg daily.
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Flexeril comes in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. But cyclobenzaprine, the active ingredient in Flexeril, is also available in several other dosage forms:
7.5 mg tablets under the brand name Fexmid
15 mg and 30 mg extended-release capsules under the brand name Amrix
2.8 mg sublingual tablets under the brand name Tonmya (coming in late 2025)
The typical Flexeril dosage is 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth 3 times a day. If you’re taking Amrix, you’ll take 15 mg to 30 mg once daily.
Tonmya is the newest form of cyclobenzaprine, and it treats fibromyalgia pain. The recommended dosage is 1 tablet (2.8 mg) dissolved under the tongue at bedtime for 14 days. After 2 weeks, you’ll take 2 tablets once daily at bedtime.
Flexeril’s wider variety of doses and dosage forms may make it easier for you to find the right fit for your needs.
2. Flexeril typically requires fewer daily doses than Robaxin
In most cases, people take Robaxin 4 times per day — especially for the first few days. But you can take Flexeril and other forms of cyclobenzaprine just 1 to 3 times per day, depending on what form you’re taking. You can also open Amrix capsules and mix them with applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills. This may make Flexeril a more convenient option for some people.
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3. Robaxin may be less sedating than Flexeril
Robaxin and Flexeril have similar side effects, such as:
Fatigue
Headaches
Brain fog
Nausea
But Robaxin seems to be less sedating than many other muscle relaxants. So it may be a better option if you’re hoping to avoid daytime drowsiness. That being said, if muscle pain is keeping you awake at night, Flexeril may be a better choice due to its stronger sedative effects.
When weighing Robaxin versus Flexeril, keep in mind that each medication has other side effects to consider.
Robaxin may cause a metallic taste in your mouth. It can also cause more serious side effects in rare cases. These side effects include an increased risk of seizures and low white blood cell counts.
Flexeril side effects, on the other hand, include dry mouth, trouble peeing, and constipation or diarrhea. It can also lead to seizures, hallucinations, or a fast or irregular heartbeat in rare cases.
4. Robaxin and Flexeril have different drug interactions to consider
You shouldn’t combine Robaxin or Flexeril with other sedating medications or substances. This could lead to excessive drowsiness or even a dangerous overdose in some cases. Examples of sedatives to avoid include:
Sleep medications
Alcohol
Other muscle relaxers
Gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica)
Flexeril also has other interactions to be aware of. It can interact with:
Medications and supplements that increase serotonin levels, such as most antidepressants, triptan migraine medications, and St. John’s wort
Anticholinergic medications, such as benztropine (Cogentin) and some antihistamines
It’s best to review your medication list with your prescriber before choosing a muscle relaxer. They can help determine if Robaxin or Flexeril is a safer choice for you based on the other medications you’re taking.
5. Flexeril may be more effective than Robaxin for some people
There’s more evidence to support Flexeril’s use than Robaxin’s when it comes to treating muscle pain. The active ingredient in Flexeril is also FDA approved to treat fibromyalgia, while Robaxin is not.
That being said, Flexeril and Robaxin haven’t been directly compared in clinical studies. And neither medication is considered a first-choice option for treating muscle pain. In most cases, it’s better to first try options such as:
Applying heat or ice
Gentle stretching
Massage or physical therapy
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Topical menthol
How to save on the cost of Robaxin and Flexeril
There are ways to save on Robaxin and Flexeril, which are both available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you navigate ways to save on your prescription.
Generic Flexeril’s price at certain pharmacies may be as low as $9.00 for thirty 10 mg tablets with a free GoodRx discount. And you may be able to pay as little as $8.40 for 60 tablets of 500 mg generic Robaxin.
The bottom line
Robaxin (methocarbamol) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are both muscle relaxers, but there are differences between them to consider. When it comes to Robaxin versus Flexeril, Robaxin may be less sedating and has fewer drug interactions. But Flexeril comes in a wider variety of dosage forms and typically requires fewer daily doses.
Neither Robaxin nor Flexeril is considered a first-choice option for treating muscle pain. But Flexeril has more evidence supporting its use. The active ingredient in Flexeril is also FDA approved for fibromyalgia, while Robaxin is not.
Your prescriber can help you find the right muscle relaxer for your needs based on your personal history and the other medications you’re taking.
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References
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Ernst, D. (2025). FDA greenlights Tonmya for fibromyalgia treatment. Neurology Advisor.
Macleods Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Cyclobenzaprine - cyclobenzaprine capsule [package insert].
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Qaseem, A., et al. (2017). Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: A clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine.
Rising Pharma Holdings. (2025). Fexmid - cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablet [package insert].
See, S., et al. (2008). Choosing a skeletal muscle relaxant. American Family Physician.
Tonix Medicines. (2025). Tonmya (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride sublingual tablets) [package insert].
Witenko, C., et al. (2014). Considerations for the appropriate use of skeletal muscle relaxants for the management of acute low back pain. Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
