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Compare 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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Flexeril vs. Lioresal

    Learn more about Cyclobenzaprine
    Learn more about Intrathecal baclofen

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