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Compare Flexeril vs. Lioresal

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

Cyclobenzaprine
Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal)
Cyclobenzaprine
Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal)

Summary of Flexeril vs. Lioresal

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.

Summary for Muscle relaxant
Prescription only

Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) is a muscle relaxant. It's given to adults and children ages 4 years and older to treat severe spasticity caused by certain conditions, like spinal cord injuries, that can't be treated with oral baclofen. Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) is typically given as a continuous infusion through an implantable pump. But before you can undergo the procedure to receive the pump, your healthcare team will inject test doses of intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) to see if it works for you. Some side effects of this medication include nausea, sleepiness, and dizziness.

Indications of Flexeril vs. Lioresal

Indications for
•Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not long-term) conditions
Indications for
•Severe spasticity in people who are either having too many side effects from oral baclofen or who aren't getting enough symptom relief from it

Pros and Cons of Flexeril vs. Lioresal

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
Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
Pros
•A possible option for those who can't take oral baclofen
•Less side effects compared to oral baclofen
•Infused through a pump, so don't need to remember to take medication by mouth daily
•Might be an option for children as young as 4 years old
Cons
•The intrathecal pump must be placed by a surgeon while under anesthesia
•Pump must be replaced after the battery runs out (5 to 7 years)
•Refills must be given by a qualified healthcare professional
•Some people might need the dose raised after long-term use because of tolerance.

Common Side Effects of Flexeril vs. Lioresal

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%)
Common Side Effects for
•Muscle weakness (up to 35%)
•Sleepiness (up to 21%)
•Headache (up to 11%)
•Nausea and vomiting (up to 11%)
•Convulsions (up to 10%)
•Dizziness (8%)
•"Pins and needles" feeling in arms and legs (up to 7%)
•Stiff muscles (up to 6%)
•Constipation (up to 5%)

Warnings of Flexeril vs. Lioresal

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
Common Side Effects for
•Withdrawal when stopping intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) suddenly
•Intrathecal baclofen overdose
•Worsening of other health conditions
•Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
•Ovarian cysts

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