Robaxin vs Flexeril: Differences & Side Effects

Muscle relaxants should only be taken with medical guidance from a doctor. It should be avoided in nursing mothers to prevent any adverse effects to the newborn. There are no adequate studies of methocarbamol to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. Methocarbamol should be avoided in pregnant mothers to avoid any risk to the unborn. Also, methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are not recommended in pregnant women, elderly adults, and young children.

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Keep in mind that regular cyclobenzaprine tablets may require dosing of up to 3 times a day. Methocarbamol (the generic name for Robaxin) and Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril’s generic form) methocarbamol same as flexeril are two muscle relaxants primarily used to treat musculoskeletal pain. It is believed to work by blocking nerve impulses sent to your brain, reducing the sensation of pain.

Adverse Effects

Methocarbamol is the best-known brand, while Robaxin is an effective muscle relaxant recommended as a pain reliever for short-term muscle pain and muscle spasms. Methocarbamol is helpful in the treatment of seizures and muscle spasms as a result of the ingestion of toxic substances in cats and dogs. Note that both muscle relaxants can trigger allergic reactions like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. Alcohol can compound muscle-relaxant side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or loss of coordination. The combination of Flexeril and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) can cause a life-threatening drug interaction. This drug interaction can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can include symptoms like abnormally high fever, tremors, increased sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Methocarbamol can increase sedation if taken with narcotic painkillers, alcohol, sedative or hypnotic medications, and other medications that depress the central nervous system.

The Verified badge on our articles is a trusted sign of the most comprehensive scientifically-based medical content. If you have any concern that our content is inaccurate or it should be updated, please let our team know at [emailprotected]. Dabbling in between different medications like Methocarbamol vs Flexeril and making switches for more efficient options without consulting a doctor can be very dangerous. Concomitant mixtures, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can be fatal.

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Rather, there are few preferences due to a patient’s other health conditions. For example, Pharmacists from St. John’s University College of Pharmacy reported that patients with insomnia who are experiencing severe muscle spasms are given Flexeril as this medication comes with a more sedating effect. Eventually, this medication will benefit them more since it causes somnolence compared to Robaxin. Additionally, Cyclobenzaprine may cause more severe adverse reactions such as dehydration, serotonin syndrome, overactive thyroid gland, and possible stroke. Both Methocarbamol vs Flexeril medications can harm the fetus during pregnancy. Both Robaxin and Flexeril work in similar ways through acting on the central nervous system (CNS).

• In this study, none of the metrics used to measure efficacy differed significantly between patients receiving methocarbamol and those taking cyclobenzaprine.
• Skeletal muscle relaxants are often prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions including low back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome.
• Complaints are fully investigated and corrective actions are implemented based on substantiated allegations.
• According to a meta-analysis of five clinical trials, cyclobenzaprine was found to improve sleep and pain in patients with fibromyalgia over a period of up to 24 weeks.
• While all the medicines are effective, one specific muscle relaxant might work better than others for you.

However, in Skelaxin use, there is a risk of liver damage or kidney problems. As mentioned above, there is not a significant difference between Robaxin, Fexmid, Amrix, and other muscle relaxants in terms of efficacy in treating acute low back pain, other musculoskeletal pain, and muscle spasms. Methocarbamol (brand names – Robaxin, Carbacot, Robaxin-750, or Skelex) is a muscle relaxant that is used together with physical therapy and rest to treat skeletal muscle conditions, like – pain or injury.

Other Trials to Consider

SMRs, including methocarbamol, are commonly prescribed for non-specific musculoskeletal pain. Skeletal muscle relaxants are often prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions including low back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome. The goals of treatment include managing muscle pain and improving functional status so the patient can return to work or resume previous activities. Although in Methocarbamol vs Baclofen comparison,  both of these medications are under the same drug class called muscle relaxants, these two offer different indications.

Discuss these treatment options with a doctor to find the best medication for you. Flexeril treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 5 mg three times per day. If necessary, the dose can then be increased to a maximum of 10 mg three times per day, with each dose spaced about 8 hours apart.

Then, one or two tablets three to four times per day or more is recommended. Robaxin, known by its generic name methocarbamol, was released on the market in the 1960s. While its exact mechanism of action is unknown, Robaxin (learn about Robaxin) is believed to relieve discomfort through its sedative effects. Any missing drug warnings or information does not in any way guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or the lack of adverse effects of any drug. The drug information provided is intended for reference only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. The recommended dose of cyclobenzaprine dose is 5 or 10 mg three times daily using immediate release tablets or 15 or 30 mg once daily using extended release tablets.