What is zanaflex compared to

This was significantly more troublesome in patients treated with baclofen. Somnolence and xerostomia were more common in patients treated with tizanidine. Both baclofen and tizanidine appear to be useful adjuncts in the treatment of spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Flexeril is the brand name for cyclobenzaprine.

It is a muscle relaxant indicated for acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions such as neck or back pain. It works in the central nervous system CNS to relieve muscle pain and spasms. Cyclobenzaprine is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. Zanaflex and Flexeril are not the same. Zanaflex has a half-life of around 2. Zanaflex only comes in immediate-release oral tablets and capsules while Flexeril comes in an extended-release capsule.

Zanaflex is a newer drug FDA-approved for muscle spasticity due to multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Flexeril is an older drug that has been more heavily studied for musculoskeletal pain and spasms.

The better drug is the one that works best for your specific condition. Consult a doctor to help find the best option for you. Zanaflex may be harmful to the unborn baby according to animal studies. There have been no adequate animal or human studies that show Flexeril is harmful while pregnant. Muscle relaxers should only be used if there are clear benefits that outweigh potential risks. Seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for treatment options while pregnant. Drinking alcohol while taking Zanaflex or Flexeril can enhance the sedative effects of these drugs.

It is not generally recommended to drink alcohol with muscle relaxants. Tizanidine may be preferred for muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury. Cyclobenzaprine is used along with physical therapy and rest to relieve pain and muscle spasms. Zanaflex is not a controlled substance according to the DEA. However, like other muscle relaxers, it can be abused by some people. Zanaflex is considered a short-term treatment option.

Abuse and dependence may occur with long-term use and lead to addictive habits. Flexeril may indirectly relieve pain associated with muscle spasms. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug.

Zanaflex vs. Flexeril: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you. By Gerardo Sison, Pharm. Comparing the similarities between Zanaflex vs. Cyclobenzaprine, both are used as muscle relaxants to relieve discomfort caused by acute and chronic musculoskeletal diseases. They are effective treatments for fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, sciatica, tetanus-associated tremors, and muscle strains and stiffness.

Both are also used to treat sleep disorders and share some common side effects. The differences between Zanaflex and Cyclobenzaprine are as vast as the similarities. Although they are both significant in treating sustained muscle contractions and discomfort, they have unique differences that must be understood. Cyclobenzaprine counts as a preferred and safer alternative to Zanaflex due to its fewer side effects and interactions with other drugs.

Flexeril — No longer used in the U. However, it can be used for the short or long term duration Short-term use — 2 to 3 weeks regardless of the disease. Approved Age of Use 18 years and older 15 years and older Prescription Forms.

Note: The dose may be increased by 2 to 4 mg every one to four days. Each individual can take a maximum of 36 mg daily. Oral tablets, Oral Capsules, extended-release. Note: For immediate-release tablets, the dose can be increased to 7.

Half-Life Zanaflex half-life is approximately 2. Here are detailed comparisons of a few. What do Zanaflex and Soma have in common? Both medications are similar in various ways. They both become helpful when conventional pain relievers fail to ease muscle pain. When taken together with alcohol or alcoholic beverages, they may interact to cause severe CNS depression. They also share some common side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and stomach agitation.

In contrast, Tizanidine vs. Soma can only be used for a maximum of three weeks and Zanaflex is safer for prolonged durations. While they both proffer the same effect, online reviews show Soma to be more effective than Zanaflex pills. However, Zanaflex is the cheaper option. Comparison between Baclofen vs. Tizanidine depicts the similarities between them.

The chart below compares examples of side effects of both drugs. In rare cases, liver problems from these drugs may cause hepatitis inflammation of your liver and jaundice yellowing of your skin and whites of eyes. Additionally, cyclobenzaprine can cause:. For instance, both drugs interact with central nervous system CNS depressants like alcohol, narcotics, and benzodiazepines.

Taking either tizanidine or cyclobenzaprine with a CNS depressant can cause intense drowsiness. Both tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine can cause problems if you take them when you have certain other health issues. You should avoid using cyclobenzaprine if you have a slow heart rhythm or heart rhythm problems.

In some circumstances, tizanidine might be used safely in this case. You should also discuss the safety of tizanidine if you have kidney disease or low blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about the safety of cyclobenzaprine if you have:. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should also discuss using cyclobenzaprine with your healthcare provider.

Tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine are muscle relaxants that help treat muscle pain from fibromyalgia. However, there is much more clinical research on the effects of cyclobenzaprine for fibromyalgia than tizanidine. Usually the better studied drugs are used first.

Muscle relaxers are drugs that can help relieve muscle cramps and spasticity. Learn about the different options. Dealing with sore muscles? If foam rolling and other home remedies aren't working, it may be time to try essential oils. Here's how you can find….