Muscle Relaxers Prescribed for Arthritis: Uses and Risks

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses support using skeletal muscle relaxants for short-term relief of acute low back pain when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen are not effective or tolerated. Comparison studies have not shown one skeletal muscle relaxant to be superior to another. Cyclobenzaprine is the most heavily studied and has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions.

• Methocarbamol is less sedating and can be used in persons who do not tolerate cyclobenzaprine.
• Also, cyclobenzaprine can cause dry mouth because it has anticholinergic effects.
• Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so.
• Skeletal muscle relaxants may also be used as an alternative to NSAIDs in patients who are at risk of gastrointestinal or renal complications.
• It depends on your condition and medical history, which will be more effective for you.
• For patients who are wondering, which is better between Methocarbamol vs Cyclobenzaprine, there is no proof yet that any particular muscle relaxant is much more effective than the other.

However, evidence for its effectiveness in managing fibromyalgia symptoms is limited. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data.

On the other hand, cyclobenzaprine is generally not prescribed for longer than two or three weeks. It is not recommended to consume alcohol while on Robaxin or Flexeril. 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. Robaxin, known by its generic name methocarbamol, was released on the market in the 1960s.

What are some precautions while taking skeletal muscle relaxants?

But providers usually only prescribe them for brief periods due to the addiction potential of certain types. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as VMA or 5-HIAA urine screening test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Before taking methocarbamol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

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There are numerous alternatives to Methocarbamol and the main and common one is the drug Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine). However, like Robaxin, Flexeril is a prescription medication and it can only be prescribed by a medical doctor. In this article, information about Robaxin alternatives and comparison such as Methocarbamol vs Flexeril will be provided. For patients dealing with muscle spasms and pain, certain medications that relax the muscles can help in managing discomfort and facilitating recovery.

Robaxin methocarbamol effectively relieves muscle spasms, but it can cause drowsiness and interfere with your ability to drive. Valium diazepam is effective for occasional or short-term use for anxiety and muscle spasm. Tizanidine has been shown to help with spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis.

What Is Robaxin?

Summary Both baclofen and cyclobenzaprine carry significant adverse effects, and you should seek professional medical advice to determine which is best for you. Be aware of contraindications and drug interactions when taking these medications. Deciding on the Best Option for You Conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, exercise, and NSAIDs, should always be the first choice for remedying muscle spasms and related pain.

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The maximum dosage that should not be exceeded in any case is 7500 mg/day for Robaxin and 60mg per day for Flexeril. Despite these similarities, there are some differences between them that may influence their prescribing patterns. The other dosage form of this is flexeril considered a narcotic medicine is an injection solution into a muscle or into a vein. Robaxin needs to be taken three to four times a day to provide relief from muscle pain and muscle spasms. Some people may prefer extended-release generic Flexeril for its once-daily dosing.

Therefore, it is not recommended for use in women who may become pregnant or who are breastfeeding. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers. We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders. Even if you have insurance, the prices of Robaxin, Fexmid, Amrix, and other muscle relaxants may be cheaper through the BuzzRx discount program.

What are the possible drug interactions of cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol?

This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. To conclude in an nutshell Flexeril the brand of Cyclobenzaprine is more effective compared to Robaxin the brand for Methocarbamol. In case of overdose, call a Poison Control Centre or get medical help right away. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If you have exceeded your daily dose of acetaminophen, contact your doctor immediately, even if you do not feel worse.