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Flexeril vs. Lioresal

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

Key takeaways

Cyclobenzaprine and baclofen are both muscle relaxants used to treat muscle-related conditions but there are some differences between them. Cyclobenzaprine is used for short-term relief of muscle discomfort from acute conditions, while baclofen is used for severe spasticity, especially when oral baclofen is not effective or causes too many side effects. Cyclobenzaprine is available as an immediate-release tablet and an extended-release capsule, taken orally, whereas baclofen is administered as an intrathecal injection through an implantable pump. Cyclobenzaprine is available as a generic and is not a controlled substance, but it can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Baclofen, also not a controlled substance, is less likely to cause side effects when given intrathecally, but it requires surgical implantation of a pump and regular refills by a healthcare professional. Cyclobenzaprine can interact with certain antidepressants, leading to serotonin syndrome, while baclofen can cause withdrawal symptoms if the pump malfunctions or runs out of medication.

Cyclobenzaprine

 

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Intrathecal baclofen

(Lioresal)

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Summary for Flexeril

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 for Flexeril

  • Muscle discomfort from short-term muscle or bone injury problems

Pros and Cons for Flexeril

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 for Flexeril

Immediate-release tablets:

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

Extended-release capsules:

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

Warnings for Flexeril

  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Effect on driving and concentration
  • Caution use in people with glaucoma or trouble urinating
  • Caution use in people with liver problems

Summary for Lioresal

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 for Lioresal

  • 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 for Lioresal

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 for Lioresal

  • 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 for Lioresal

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

Prices with our coupons for Flexeril vs. Lioresal

Price Card Drug Icon
Cyclobenzaprine30 tablets / 10mg
$10.14-
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Baclofen60 tablets / 10mg
$11.74$40.16
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