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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 that helps relieve muscle pain and discomfort. It's often used short term with rest and physical therapy. Immediate-release tablets are for people 15 years and older and are taken a few times a day. Once sold under the brand name Flexeril, the tablets now as a generic and brand name Fexmid. Extended-release capsules are for adults only and are taken once a day. The capsules comes as a generic and brand name Amrix. Cyclobenzaprine can make you sleepy and have dry mouth as side effects.

  • Indications of Norflex vs. Flexeril

    Indications for
    •Relief of muscle discomfort from short-term muscle conditions
    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort from short-term muscle or bone injury problems

  • 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
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as short-acting and long-acting forms for flexible dosing schedules
    •Can help with recovery from acute painful muscle problems in a few days
    Cons
    •Only meant for short-term use (up to 2 to 3 weeks at a time)
    •Might not be a safe option for older adults
    •Not known to work well for nerve pain or muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries

  • Common Side Effects of Norflex vs. Flexeril

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

    Immediate-release tablets:

    •Drowsiness (39%)
    •Dry mouth (27%)
    •Dizziness (11%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Dizziness (6%)

  • 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
    •Caution use in people with glaucoma or 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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