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Methocarbamol vs. Tramadol

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

Key takeaways

Methocarbamol (Robaxin) and tramadol (ConZip, Qdolo) are both medications used to manage pain, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxer primarily used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, while tramadol is an opioid used for pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications. Methocarbamol is taken orally, typically 3 to 4 times a day, and is not a controlled substance, whereas tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence. Tramadol is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. Methocarbamol's side effects include dizziness and drowsiness, while tramadol can cause constipation, nausea, and potentially life-threatening side effects like dangerously slow breathing. Nether methocarbamol nor tramadol interacts with common pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Tramadol has many drug interactions, including with medications that affect serotonin levels.

Methocarbamol

 

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Tramadol

 

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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

Summary for Tramadol

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 for Tramadol

  • Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons for Tramadol

Pros

  • Extended-release tablets and ConZip capsules are taken once per day and last throughout the day.
  • Immediate-release tablets are available as a lower-cost generic.
  • Possible lower risk of misuse and dependency compared to other opioids

Cons

  • A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
  • Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Can't use in some children due to higher risk of potentially severe and life-threatening side effects
  • Not recommended while breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Tramadol

  • Constipation (up to 46%)
  • Nausea (up to 40%)
  • Dizziness (up to 33%)
  • Headache (up to 32%)
  • Sleepiness (up to 25%)
  • Vomiting (up to 17%)

Warnings for Tramadol

  • Potential for addiction and misuse
  • Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Overdose
  • Harm to newborn babies
  • Drug interactions
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Seizures
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low adrenal hormone levels
  • Physical dependence and withdrawal
  • Low blood sodium levels

Prices with our coupons for Methocarbamol vs. Tramadol

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Methocarbamol60 tablets / 500mg
$11.72$22.21
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Tramadol60 tablets / 50mg
$11.42$22.11
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