Muscle Relaxers: Methocarbamol vs Cyclobenzaprine

They both act to reduce skeletal muscle spasms but do so through different mechanisms, which can make one more suitable than the other under certain circumstances. Robaxin helps to manage muscle spasms by depressing the central nervous system, reducing its communication with the muscles. It does this by interrupting nerve impulses travelling from the spinal cord to the brain, so muscular tension can be reduced for longer periods of time. Nerve impulses are electrical signals that act as messengers in the body, playing an important role in sensation, movement, and thought processes among other things. It is understood that individuals with muscle spasms have excessive or inappropriate muscle contraction.

Neither Robaxin nor Flexeril should be taken if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or have been using them within the past two weeks. These medications are specifically dangerous for people of age 65 years and above or does flexeril help with migraines 16 and below. It is highly recommended to seek professional help if any signs of addictive behavior have been noticed in patients. Rehab facilities along the country can help to get rid of addiction and stay clean after the treatment.

Please continue reading to learn about the similarities and differences between methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine, including how they work, their side effects, drug interactions, cost, and more. Cyclobenzaprine has been compared to Valium (diazepam) and Soma (carisoprodol) in clinical trials. Cyclobenzaprine was similarly effective to these drugs for treating acute low back pain.

What is Robaxin?

The differences lie in their active ingredient, price, area of most effect and others. Methocarbamol is classified as Pregnancy Category C, as it has not been systematically studied in pregnant women. In addition, based on animal studies, methocarbamol is known to cross the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in women who may become pregnant or who are breastfeeding. Intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) formulations may also be used commonly in the postoperative setting.[14][15]one gram can be injected every eight hours by IM or IV route.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expertise on managing health. Also, the number of doses robaxin take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. He helps psychology with my husband that has had hadel stroke and he has his two kids as well. This is not an easy thing to do robaxin your own; you won’t die, but without medications to make this go smoother you going to think your dieing. It is also not known whether methocarbamol can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity.

• Methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are not recommended in elderly adults.
• Keep in mind that these things are most likely out of your control, and lead to prolonged painful conditions if left untreated.
• Muscle relaxers may be used for fibromyalgia in patients with significant stiffness.

Articles on this website are meant for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call your doctor immediately or call 911 (if within the United States). You can also order Robaxin online by visiting certified online pharmacies, but it is better to take any medications with doctor’s advice or prescription. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided in this article for specific medical advice. On a case-by-case basis, they are used depending on which one is most appropriate.

Robaxin vs Flexeril

The primary use of this medication is short-term pain-reliever for musculoskeletal pains and muscle spasms. In 2018, around 5.8 million prescriptions of this drug have been issued in the United States. 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.

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Thus, if you are in a higher dosage range for Robaxin (i.e., 1500 mg/day or higher), then brand-name Flexeril is less expensive on a per day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be your primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you. Animal studies reveal that methocarbamol crosses the placental barrier and the blood-brain barrier.

Evidence of Effectiveness

They will provide clear instructions on when and how to take the medications, and they may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the individual’s response and make any necessary adjustments. Combining Methocarbamol and Cyclobenzaprine, two muscle relaxant medications, should only be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. While there may be situations where co-administration is deemed necessary, it is essential to consider the risks and benefits of taking these medications together. All the muscle relaxants listed above are prescription medications, which need approval of a physician or other licensed prescriber. QuickMD can prescribe most muscle relaxants online via telemedicine, and the prescription is sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice.

As previously mentioned, Robaxin is a muscle relaxant that is FDA approved. It’s prescribed by doctors to treat pain and discomfort, but particularly those musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, neck pain, and even sprains. Four popular muscle relaxants are Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), baclofen, Robaxin (methocarbamol), and Zanaflex (tizanidine).