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Compare Skelaxin vs. Flexeril

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

Key takeaways

Metaxalone (Skelaxin) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) are both muscle relaxants used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, but they have some differences. Metaxalone is typically taken three to four times a day, while cyclobenzaprine is available in both immediate-release (IR) tablets taken three times a day and extended-release (ER) capsules taken once a day. Cyclobenzaprine can cause more drowsiness, especially in its IR form, compared to metaxalone, which is less likely to make you sleepy. Metaxalone is not recommended for people with severe kidney or liver problems, whereas cyclobenzaprine should be used cautiously in those with liver issues and is not recommended for people with certain heart conditions. Both medications can interact with antidepressants and other drugs that affect serotonin levels, potentially leading to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Additionally, cyclobenzaprine can cause dry mouth and other anticholinergic side effects, which are less common with metaxalone. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Metaxalone
    Cyclobenzaprine
  • Metaxalone
    Cyclobenzaprine

  • Summary of Skelaxin vs. Flexeril

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Metaxalone is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort that's not chronic or long-lasting. This medication is thought to relieve muscle pain by relaxing your nervous system in the brain. Metaxalone is typically taken by mouth three or four times a day. It commonly causes drowsiness and dizziness as side effects. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking metaxalone because alcohol can interact with this medication and worsen side effects.

    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 Skelaxin vs. Flexeril

    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not chronic) conditions when rest or physical therapy isn't enough for relief
    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort from short-term muscle or bone injury problems

  • Pros and Cons of Skelaxin vs. Flexeril

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work quickly (within 30 minutes to an hour)
    •Might cause less dizziness or drowsiness than other muscle relaxers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might need to take 3 or 4 times a day
    •Interacts with common antidepressants
    •Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems, liver problems, or certain anemias (blood problem)
    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 Skelaxin vs. Flexeril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Nervousness or irritability
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

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

    Extended-release capsules:

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

  • Warnings of Skelaxin vs. Flexeril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Caution use in people with liver or kidney 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 Skelaxin vs. Flexeril

    Learn more about Metaxalone
    Learn more about Cyclobenzaprine

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