Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and Orphengesic Forte (orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine) are both used to relieve muscle pain, but they work in different ways and have distinct components. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that works in the brain to ease muscle spasms and is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. It can cause drowsiness and is typically used for short-term relief. On the other hand, Orphengesic Forte is a combination medication that includes a muscle relaxant (orphenadrine), an NSAID (aspirin), and caffeine. This combination helps with muscle, bone, joint, or tendon pain but carries risks like stomach bleeding due to the aspirin. Orphengesic Forte also requires you to limit additional caffeine intake and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.. While neither medications are controlled substances, Orphengesic Forte combines three drugs into one tablet for convenience, whereas cyclobenzaprine is a single-agent muscle relaxant.
Cyclobenzaprine
Orphengesic forte
Cyclobenzaprine
Orphengesic forte
Summary of Flexeril vs. Orphengesic Forte
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 / NSAID / Adenosine antagonist
Prescription only
Orphengesic Forte is a combination medication that contains orphenadrine, aspirin, and caffeine. It can be used for muscle, bone, joint, or tendon pain relief. It has some serious risks, like stomach bleeding and ulcers, because of the aspirin in the medication.
Indications of Flexeril vs. Orphengesic Forte
Indications for
•Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not long-term) conditions
Indications for
•Mild-to-moderate muscle, bone, joint, or tendon pain