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Compare Robaxin vs. Flexeril

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

Key takeaways

Methocarbamol (Robaxin) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) are both muscle relaxants used to treat muscle pain and discomfort. Methocarbamol is typically taken 3 to 4 times a day, while cyclobenzaprine is available in both immediate-release (IR) tablets taken 3 times a day and extended-release (ER) capsules taken once a day. Cyclobenzaprine is more likely to cause drowsiness and dry mouth compared to methocarbamol. Methocarbamol starts working within 30 minutes and lasts about 6 hours, whereas cyclobenzaprine IR tablets take about an hour to kick in and last 4 to 6 hours. Cyclobenzaprine can interact with certain antidepressants and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which is not a known risk with methocarbamol. Both medications should be used with caution if you are over 65 years old or taking other medications that cause drowsiness.

  • Methocarbamol
    Cyclobenzaprine
  • Methocarbamol
    Cyclobenzaprine

  • Summary of Robaxin vs. Flexeril

    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 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 Robaxin vs. Flexeril

    Indications for
    •Muscle pain and discomfort caused by acute (short-term) conditions
    •Muscle problems due to tetanus - injection form only
    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort from short-term muscle or bone injury problems

  • Pros and Cons of Robaxin vs. Flexeril

    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
    •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
    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 Robaxin vs. Flexeril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurry vision
    •Headache
    •Nausea
    •Upset stomach
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

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

    Extended-release capsules:

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

  • Warnings of Robaxin vs. Flexeril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Interactions with other medications
    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 Robaxin vs. Flexeril

    Learn more about Methocarbamol
    Learn more about Cyclobenzaprine

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