Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Metaxalone vs. Methocarbamol

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

Key takeaways

Metaxalone and methocarbamol (Robaxin) are both muscle relaxants used to treat short-term muscle pain and discomfort. They are not controlled substances and are available only with a prescription. While both medications are taken orally, methocarbamol is also available as an injection that is administered by a healthcare professional. Metaxalone is typically taken by mouth three to four times a day at a dose of 800 mg, while methocarbamol starts at 1,500 mg four times a day, with a maintenance dose of 4,000 mg total per day. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects for both include dizziness and drowsiness. Both medications should be used cautiously with alcohol and other drowsiness-inducing substances.

  • Metaxalone
    Methocarbamol
  • Metaxalone
    Methocarbamol

  • Summary of Metaxalone vs. Methocarbamol

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort that's not chronic or long-lasting. This medication is thought to relieve muscle pain by relaxing your nervous system in the brain. Metaxalone is typically taken by mouth three or four times a day. It commonly causes drowsiness and dizziness as side effects. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking metaxalone because alcohol can interact with this medication and worsen side effects.

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, like back pain, in people ages 16 years and older. It works best when used along with non-medication treatments, such as rest and physical therapy. Methocarbamol is taken by mouth, typically 3 or 4 times daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles or through the veins, typically in a hospital setting. Side effects of methocarbamol include dizziness, drowsiness, and blurry vision.

  • Indications of Metaxalone vs. Methocarbamol

    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not chronic) conditions when rest or physical therapy isn't enough for relief
    Indications for
    •Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions
    •Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only

  • Pros and Cons of Metaxalone vs. Methocarbamol

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work quickly (within 30 minutes to an hour)
    •Might cause less dizziness or drowsiness than other muscle relaxers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might need to take 3 or 4 times a day
    •Interacts with common antidepressants
    •Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems, liver problems, or certain anemias (blood problem)
    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 30 minutes to relieve muscle pain and discomfort
    •Less likely to cause drowsiness compared to some other muscle relaxers
    •Tablets can be cut in half
    Cons
    •Taken 3 to 4 times daily
    •Older adults at higher risk for side effects
    •Not safe to take either some other pain medications, such as opioid medications

  • Common Side Effects of Metaxalone vs. Methocarbamol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Nervousness or irritability
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurry vision
    •Headache
    •Nausea
    •Upset stomach

  • Warnings of Metaxalone vs. Methocarbamol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Caution use in people with liver or kidney problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Metaxalone vs. Methocarbamol

    Learn more about Metaxalone
    Learn more about Methocarbamol

Compare other Musculoskeletal Conditions drugs

Metaxalone vs MethocarbamolMetaxalone vs TizanidineBaclofen vs MeloxicamBaclofen vs TizanidineCyclobenzaprine vs MeloxicamDaypro vs MeloxicamDiazepam vs TizanidineEtodolac vs MeloxicamIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIndocin vs MeloxicamMeloxicam vs Acetaminophen With CodeineMeloxicam vs AleveMeloxicam vs AspirinMeloxicam vs CelebrexMeloxicam vs DiclofenacMeloxicam vs GabapentinMeloxicam vs IndocinMeloxicam vs MethocarbamolMethocarbamol vs GabapentinMethocarbamol vs SomaMethocarbamol vs TizanidineMethocarbamol vs TramadolTizanidine vs CyclobenzaprineTizanidine vs FlexerilTizanidine vs GabapentinTizanidine vs MeloxicamTizanidine vs SomaTizanidine vs TramadolTizanidine vs ValiumTizanidine vs Xanax
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.