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Compare Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

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

Key takeaways

Metaxalone and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are both medications used to treat muscle-related conditions. They help relieve muscle pain and discomfort, but they belong to different medication classes. Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer that works by relaxing the nervous system in the brain, while Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that slows down nerves in the spinal column to relax muscles. Metaxalone is typically taken three to four times a day, whereas tizanidine is taken up to three times a day as needed. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Common side effects of metaxalone include dizziness and drowsiness, while tizanidine can cause dry mouth, sleepiness, and low blood pressure. Metaxalone can interact with antidepressants, leading to a rare condition called serotonin syndrome, while tizanidine should not be taken with certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin due to the risk of very low blood pressure.

  • Metaxalone
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • Metaxalone
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)

  • Summary of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    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 Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer used to treat stiff, rigid muscles. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) isn't a controlled substance, so it isn't known to cause an addiction. But it does have several risks and warnings for side effects such as low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) comes as both brand and generic name tablets and capsules.

  • Indications of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

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

  • Pros and Cons of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    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 Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Works very quickly
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Can be taken only as needed
    •Multiple strengths available, so you can customize your dose easier
    Cons
    •Taken multiple times a day
    •Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle rigidity and high blood pressure
    •Food can affect how well your body absorbs tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    •Not a good option for people with liver and kidney problems
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and low blood pressure as side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Nervousness or irritability
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (49%)
    •Sleepiness (48%)
    •Weakness (41%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)

  • Warnings of Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Caution use in people with liver or kidney problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening drowsiness (from medication interactions)
    •Higher risk of tizanidine side effects (in people with kidney problems)
    •Liver damage
    •Hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Metaxalone vs. Tizanidine

    Learn more about Metaxalone
    Learn more about Tizanidine

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