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Compare Skelaxin vs. Soma

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

Key takeaways

Metaxalone (Skelaxin) and carisoprodol (Soma) are both muscle relaxants used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, but they have some key differences. Metaxalone is not a controlled substance and is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other muscle relaxers. It is typically taken three to four times a day and is available as a lower-cost generic. On the other hand, carisoprodol is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. It is usually taken three times a day and at bedtime, but only for short-term use (up to 2 to 3 weeks). Carisoprodol can cause significant drowsiness and has a higher risk of side effects like seizures, especially when combined with alcohol or other habit-forming substances. Neither medication should not be mixed with alcohol and both can cause dizziness and drowsiness, but carisoprodol has stricter usage guidelines due to its potential for addiction.

  • Metaxalone
    Carisoprodol (Soma)
  • Metaxalone
    Carisoprodol (Soma)

  • Summary of Skelaxin vs. Soma

    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

    Carisoprodol (Soma) is a muscle relaxant that's used to treat muscle pain and discomfort in people ages 16 to 64. The tablets are approved for short-term treatment only and should only be taken for up to 2 to 3 weeks. Researchers think the medication relaxes muscles by changing nerve activity in your nervous system. Carisoprodol (Soma) is a controlled substance because it has a risk for misuse and dependence. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and sleepiness.

  • Indications of Skelaxin vs. Soma

    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not chronic) conditions when rest or physical therapy isn't enough for relief
    Indications for
    •Discomfort caused by painful muscle-related conditions (short-term only)

  • Pros and Cons of Skelaxin vs. Soma

    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
    •Works quickly (generally within 30 minutes) to relieve muscle pain and discomfort
    •Available in two different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for muscle pain
    •Typically taken four times daily
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Unknown if it's safe for people younger than age 16 or older than age 65

  • Common Side Effects of Skelaxin vs. Soma

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Nervousness or irritability
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (13-17%)
    •Dizziness (7-8%)
    •Headache (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Skelaxin vs. Soma

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Caution use in people with liver or kidney problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and trouble with concentration
    •Risk for misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Skelaxin vs. Soma

    Learn more about Metaxalone
    Learn more about Carisoprodol

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