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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 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 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 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 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
    •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
    •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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    Learn more about Tramadol

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