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Compare Norflex vs. Flexeril

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

Key takeaways

Orphenadrine (Norflex) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Fexmid, Amrix) are both muscle relaxants used to relieve muscle pain and discomfort. They are similar in that they are both prescribed for short-term muscle conditions and are not controlled substances. However, they differ in several ways. Orphenadrine is available as an oral tablet and injection, while cyclobenzaprine is available as immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (ER) capsules. Orphenadrine is typically taken twice a day, whereas cyclobenzaprine IR tablets are taken three times a day, and the ER capsules are taken once a day. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of orphenadrine include dry mouth, headache, and drowsiness, while cyclobenzaprine can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Orphenadrine can increase heart rate or cause an irregular heartbeat and should be used with caution in people with heart problems, while cyclobenzaprine is not recommended for those with severe liver problems.

  • Orphenadrine
    Cyclobenzaprine
  • Orphenadrine
    Cyclobenzaprine

  • Summary of Norflex vs. Flexeril

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Orphenadrine citrate is a muscle relaxer that's used to relieve muscle pain and discomfort. It's often used together with other pain-relieving methods, such as resting and physical therapy. Orphenadrine is available as a tablet that's taken by mouth as well as an injection that's administered by a healthcare provider for certain situations. Side effects can include dry mouth, headache, and drowsiness. Orphenadrine is a generic medication; its brand-name version, Norflex, is no longer available.

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used in addition to rest and physical therapy to treat muscle pain and discomfort. It's available as an immediate-release (IR) tablet and an extended-release (ER) capsule. Unlike other muscle relaxants, it's not considered a controlled substance. Cyclobenzaprine can make you sleepy as a side effect so it's best to avoid alcohol to prevent serious harm from combining the two together.

  • Indications of Norflex vs. Flexeril

    Indications for
    •Relief of muscle discomfort from short-term muscle conditions
    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not long-term) conditions

  • Pros and Cons of Norflex vs. Flexeril

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Taken only twice a day
    •Can start to work within 1 hour
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first choice option for short- or long-term pain relief
    •Not recommended for older adults because of higher risk for side effects
    •Can't use if you have glaucoma, certain stomach or gut problems, urination or swallowing problems, or nerve problems that affect the muscles
    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve muscle spasms
    •Available as an IR tablet and ER capsule
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use if you have kidney problems
    Cons
    •Can make you feel dizzy and sleepy
    •Only meant for short-term use (up to 2 to 3 weeks)
    •Doesn't work for muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries
    •Might not be a good option if you're 65 years or older or have liver problems because of higher risk of side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Norflex vs. Flexeril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Sleepiness
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

    •Drowsiness (up to 39%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 32%)
    •Dizziness (up to 11%)
    •Feeling tired (up to 6%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Dry mouth (6-14%)
    •Dizziness (3-6%)
    •Indigestion (up to 4%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    •Constipation (1-3%)
    •Drowsiness (1-2%)

  • Warnings of Norflex vs. Flexeril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Use with caution in people with heart problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Dry mouth, dry eyes, and trouble urinating
    •Caution use in people with liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Norflex vs. Flexeril

    Learn more about Orphenadrine
    Learn more about Cyclobenzaprine

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