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Compare Skelaxin vs. Norflex

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

Key takeaways

Metaxalone (Skelaxin) and orphenadrine ER (Norflex) are both muscle relaxants used to relieve muscle pain and discomfort. Metaxalone is typically taken three to four times a day, while orphenadrine ER is taken twice a day. Metaxalone is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other muscle relaxants, but it can still make you sleepy and dizzy. Orphenadrine ER can also cause drowsiness, along with dry mouth and headache. Metaxalone is not a controlled substance and has a lower risk of addiction, whereas orphenadrine ER has some potential for misuse and addiction. Orphenadrine ER is available in both tablet and injectable forms, while metaxalone is only available as a tablet. Additionally, orphenadrine ER is not recommended for older adults and people with certain conditions like glaucoma or heart problems, whereas metaxalone should be used cautiously in people with severe kidney or liver issues. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Metaxalone
    Orphenadrine
  • Metaxalone
    Orphenadrine

  • Summary of Skelaxin vs. Norflex

    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

    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 Skelaxin vs. Norflex

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

  • Pros and Cons of Skelaxin vs. Norflex

    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
    •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 Skelaxin vs. Norflex

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

  • Warnings of Skelaxin vs. Norflex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Caution use in people with liver or kidney problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Use with caution in people with heart problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Skelaxin vs. Norflex

    Learn more about Metaxalone
    Learn more about Orphenadrine

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