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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 that helps relieve muscle pain and discomfort. It's often used short term with rest and physical therapy. Immediate-release tablets are for people 15 years and older and are taken a few times a day. Once sold under the brand name Flexeril, the tablets now as a generic and brand name Fexmid. Extended-release capsules are for adults only and are taken once a day. The capsules comes as a generic and brand name Amrix. Cyclobenzaprine can make you sleepy and have dry mouth as side effects.

  • Indications of Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine

    Indications for
    •Discomfort caused by painful muscle-related conditions (short-term only)
    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort from short-term muscle or bone injury problems

  • 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
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as short-acting and long-acting forms for flexible dosing schedules
    •Can help with recovery from acute painful muscle problems in a few days
    Cons
    •Only meant for short-term use (up to 2 to 3 weeks at a time)
    •Might not be a safe option for older adults
    •Not known to work well for nerve pain or muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries

  • 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 (39%)
    •Dry mouth (27%)
    •Dizziness (11%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Dizziness (6%)

  • 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
    •Caution use in people with glaucoma or 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

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