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Compare Tizanidine vs. Soma

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

Key takeaways

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) and carisoprodol (Soma) are both medications used to relax muscles, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and characteristics. Tizanidine is primarily used to treat muscle stiffness and rigidity, often associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis. It is available in both brand and generic forms and is typically taken up to three times a day. Common side effects include low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Carisoprodol, on the other hand, is a muscle relaxant used for short-term relief of muscle pain and discomfort. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, and it is usually taken four times a day for no more than 2 to 3 weeks. Carisoprodol can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. While both medications can cause sleepiness, carisoprodol has a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms compared to tizanidine. Additionally, carisoprodol should not be combined with alcohol or other habit-forming substances.

  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    Carisoprodol (Soma)
  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    Carisoprodol (Soma)

  • Summary of Tizanidine vs. Soma

    Summary for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is a muscle relaxer used to treat stiff, rigid muscles. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) isn't a controlled substance, so it isn't known to cause an addiction. But it does have several risks and warnings for side effects such as low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) comes as both brand and generic name tablets and capsules.

    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 Tizanidine vs. Soma

    Indications for
    •Muscle stiffness and rigidity
    Indications for
    •Discomfort caused by painful muscle-related conditions (short-term only)

  • Pros and Cons of Tizanidine vs. Soma

    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Works very quickly
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Can be taken only as needed
    •Multiple strengths available, so you can customize your dose easier
    Cons
    •Taken multiple times a day
    •Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle rigidity and high blood pressure
    •Food can affect how well your body absorbs tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    •Not a good option for people with liver and kidney problems
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and low blood pressure as side effects
    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 Tizanidine vs. Soma

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (49%)
    •Sleepiness (48%)
    •Weakness (41%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (13-17%)
    •Dizziness (7-8%)
    •Headache (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Tizanidine vs. Soma

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening drowsiness (from medication interactions)
    •Higher risk of tizanidine side effects (in people with kidney problems)
    •Liver damage
    •Hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and trouble with concentration
    •Risk for misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Tizanidine vs. Soma

    Learn more about Tizanidine
    Learn more about Carisoprodol

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