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Compare Tizanidine vs. Tramadol

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

Key takeaways

Tizanidine (Zanaflex) and tramadol are both medications that can help with muscle-related issues, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist used to treat muscle stiffness and rigidity, often related to conditions like multiple sclerosis. It is taken orally, usually three times a day, and is available in both brand and generic forms. Common side effects include dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness. Tramadol, on the other hand, is an opioid used to manage pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications. It is a controlled substance and comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms. Tramadol can cause side effects like constipation, nausea, and dizziness, and can lead to addiction and misuse. Tramadol can interact with many medications. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Tizanidine can cause low blood pressure, while tramadol can increase the risk for dangerously slow breathing. The risk for these serious side effects is higher if taken with interacting medications.

  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    Tramadol
  • Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
    Tramadol

  • Summary of Tizanidine vs. Tramadol

    Summary for Alpha-2 agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine, also known by its brand name Zanaflex, is a muscle relaxer. It's FDA approved to treat stiff, rigid muscles in adults. This medication comes as tablets and capsules that you take by mouth. The usual dosage is taken as needed, up to 3 times a day. It has side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is available as a generic and brand-name medication.

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.

  • Indications of Tizanidine vs. Tramadol

    Indications for
    •Muscle stiffness and rigidity
    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Tizanidine vs. Tramadol

    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 agonist
    Pros
    •Taken as needed (up to 3 times a day) to help relax stiff or rigid muscles
    •Works within 1 to 2 hours
    •Also available as capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Not a controlled substance
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure
    •Interacts with many other medications, like birth control pills, ciprofloxacin, and opioids
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you lower the dose or stop suddenly
    •Higher risk of side effects in older adults and people with kidney problems
    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Extended-release tablets and ConZip capsules are taken once per day and last throughout the day.
    •Immediate-release tablets are available as a lower-cost generic.
    •Possible lower risk of misuse and dependency compared to other opioids
    Cons
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Can't use in some children due to higher risk of potentially severe and life-threatening side effects
    •Not recommended while breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Tizanidine vs. Tramadol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (49%)
    •Sleepiness (48%)
    •Weakness (41%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (up to 46%)
    •Nausea (up to 40%)
    •Dizziness (up to 33%)
    •Headache (up to 32%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 25%)
    •Vomiting (up to 17%)

  • Warnings of Tizanidine vs. Tramadol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Possible hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Overdose
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Drug interactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Seizures
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Tizanidine vs. Tramadol

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