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Compare Robaxin vs. Norflex

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

Key takeaways

Methocarbamol (Robaxin) and orphenadrine (Norflex) are both muscle relaxants used to relieve muscle pain and discomfort, but they have some differences. Methocarbamol is taken 3 to 4 times daily, while orphenadrine is taken only twice a day. Methocarbamol can be taken as a tablet or injection, and it starts working within 30 minutes. Orphenadrine, available as a generic, can also be taken as a tablet or injection and starts working within an hour. Methocarbamol is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other muscle relaxers, whereas orphenadrine can cause dry mouth, sleepiness, and headache. Orphenadrine has more restrictions, such as not being suitable for people with glaucoma or certain stomach problems, while methocarbamol is not recommended for older adults due to higher risk of side effects. Both medications should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

  • Methocarbamol
    Orphenadrine
  • Methocarbamol
    Orphenadrine

  • Summary of Robaxin vs. Norflex

    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

    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.

  • Indications of Robaxin vs. Norflex

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

  • Pros and Cons of Robaxin vs. Norflex

    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
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Robaxin vs. Norflex

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

  • Warnings of Robaxin vs. Norflex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Use with caution in people with heart problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Robaxin vs. Norflex

    Learn more about Methocarbamol
    Learn more about Orphenadrine

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