Skip to main content

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

 

Get free coupons

Methocarbamol

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Metaxalone

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.

Indications for Metaxalone

  • Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not chronic) conditions when rest or physical therapy isn't enough for relief

Pros and Cons for Metaxalone

Pros

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)

Common Side Effects for Metaxalone

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Nervousness or irritability
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach upset

Warnings for Metaxalone

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

Summary for Methocarbamol

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 for Methocarbamol

  • Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions
  • Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only

Pros and Cons for Methocarbamol

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 for Methocarbamol

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Blurry vision
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach

Warnings for Methocarbamol

  • Effect on driving and concentration
  • Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Metaxalone vs. Methocarbamol

Price Card Drug Icon
Metaxalone30 tablets / 800mg
$20.97$234.44
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Methocarbamol60 tablets / 500mg
$11.72$22.21
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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