Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Methocarbamol
Tramadol
Methocarbamol
Tramadol
Summary of Methocarbamol vs. Tramadol
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.
Summary for Opioid
Prescription only
Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.
Indications of Methocarbamol vs. Tramadol
Indications for
•Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions
•Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only
Indications for
•Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
Pros and Cons of Methocarbamol vs. Tramadol
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