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.
