Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Carisoprodol (Soma) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) are both muscle relaxants used to treat muscle pain and discomfort. They are similar in that they are both prescribed for short-term relief of muscle-related conditions. However, they differ in several ways. Carisoprodol is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, while cyclobenzaprine is not. Carisoprodol is typically taken four times a day, whereas cyclobenzaprine is available in both immediate-release (taken three times a day) and extended-release forms (taken once a day). Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic and can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. Cyclobenzaprine may not be a good option for those over age 65 years or with liver problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking either medication.

  • Carisoprodol (Soma)
    Cyclobenzaprine
  • Carisoprodol (Soma)
    Cyclobenzaprine

  • Summary of Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Carisoprodol (Soma) is a muscle relaxant that's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort in people ages 16 to 64. The tablets are approved for short-term treatment only and should only be taken for up to 2 to 3 weeks. Researchers think the medication relaxes muscles by changing nerve activity in your nervous system. Carisoprodol (Soma) is a controlled substance because it has a risk for misuse and dependence. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and sleepiness.

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used in addition to rest and physical therapy to treat muscle pain and discomfort. It's available as an immediate-release (IR) tablet and an extended-release (ER) capsule. Unlike other muscle relaxants, it's not considered a controlled substance. Cyclobenzaprine can make you sleepy as a side effect so it's best to avoid alcohol to prevent serious harm from combining the two together.

  • Indications of Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

    Indications for
    •Discomfort caused by painful muscle-related conditions (short-term only)
    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not long-term) conditions

  • Pros and Cons of Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Works quickly (generally within 30 minutes) to relieve muscle pain and discomfort
    •Available in two different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for muscle pain
    •Typically taken four times daily
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Unknown if it's safe for people younger than age 16 or older than age 65
    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve muscle spasms
    •Available as an IR tablet and ER capsule
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use if you have kidney problems
    Cons
    •Can make you feel dizzy and sleepy
    •Only meant for short-term use (up to 2 to 3 weeks)
    •Doesn't work for muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries
    •Might not be a good option if you're 65 years or older or have liver problems because of higher risk of side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (13-17%)
    •Dizziness (7-8%)
    •Headache (3-5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

    •Drowsiness (up to 39%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 32%)
    •Dizziness (up to 11%)
    •Feeling tired (up to 6%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Dry mouth (6-14%)
    •Dizziness (3-6%)
    •Indigestion (up to 4%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    •Constipation (1-3%)
    •Drowsiness (1-2%)

  • Warnings of Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and trouble with concentration
    •Risk for misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Seizures
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Dry mouth, dry eyes, and trouble urinating
    •Caution use in people with liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

    Learn more about Carisoprodol
    Learn more about Cyclobenzaprine

Compare other Musculoskeletal Conditions drugs

Carisoprodol vs CyclobenzaprineBaclofen vs MeloxicamBaclofen vs TizanidineCyclobenzaprine vs GabapentinCyclobenzaprine vs MeloxicamCyclobenzaprine vs OxycodoneCyclobenzaprine vs TramadolDaypro vs MeloxicamDiazepam vs TizanidineEtodolac vs MeloxicamGabapentin vs LyricaIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIndocin vs MeloxicamMeloxicam vs Acetaminophen With CodeineMeloxicam vs AleveMeloxicam vs AspirinMeloxicam vs CelebrexMeloxicam vs GabapentinMetaxalone vs TizanidineMethocarbamol vs GabapentinMethocarbamol vs TizanidineTegretol vs GabapentinTizanidine vs CyclobenzaprineTizanidine vs FlexerilTizanidine vs GabapentinTizanidine vs MeloxicamTizanidine vs SomaTizanidine vs TramadolTizanidine vs ValiumTizanidine vs Xanax
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.