Flexeril is often prescribed to relieve muscle pain and spasms caused by back and neck strains. Zanaflex and Flexeril are sometimes prescribed off-label to treat fibromyalgia and migraines. Often combined with other drugs, Zanaflex or Flexeril can also help manage muscle stiffness and tremors associated with tetanus. Zanaflex and Flexeril are both effective drugs for muscle spasms and muscle pain.
Their use depends on which one is more suitable on a case-by-case basis. Currently, there is no clinical data showing a direct comparison between these two drugs. According to a meta-analysis , cyclobenzaprine has been studied in the most clinical trials with evidence to support its use. Tizanidine was shown to be effective for spasticity due to multiple sclerosis. Both cyclobenzaprine and tizanidine were found to be effective for musculoskeletal conditions such as acute neck or back pain.
The meta-analysis assessed over different trials comparing several muscle relaxants, including Lioresal baclofen , Soma carisoprodol , Robaxin methocarbamol , Skelaxin metaxalone , and Valium diazepam. Overall, the study found that these drugs are comparable in efficacy and safety. Other guidelines suggest that muscle relaxants cause increased drowsiness and should only be used short-term.
Drugs like Zanaflex and Flexeril are often recommended along with physical therapy to relieve pain. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for you. Generic Zanaflex is typically covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. Immediate-release tablets are commonly prescribed to be taken multiple times per day. Get a prescription coupon. The most common side effects of Zanaflex include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness or fatigue, and constipation.
Other reported side effects include urinary tract infections UTIs and involuntary movements dyskinesia. The most common side effects of Flexeril include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Flexeril is also known to cause other side effects such as constipation and nausea.
This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. Zanaflex is mainly processed by the CYP1A2 enzyme in the liver. Drugs that block, or inhibit, this enzyme can increase Zanaflex levels in the body. Increased drug levels can lead to increased adverse effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Zanaflex should be avoided with CYP1A2 inhibitors like ciprofloxacin and cimetidine as well as birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol.
Flexeril can interact with serotonergic drugs like antidepressants and MAO inhibitors. Taking these drugs with Flexeril can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
These types of drugs include barbiturates, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Zanaflex and Flexeril can enhance their effects and lead to increased dizziness and sedation. Zanaflex has the potential to cause hypotension or abnormally low blood pressure. This effect typically manifests as orthostatic hypotension which occurs when a person moves to an upright position after lying down.
In excess doses, Flexeril is also known to cause changes in blood pressure. Zanaflex may cause liver injury in some people, especially those who have a history of liver impairment.
Flexeril should also be used with caution in individuals with liver problems. Flexeril is known to cause serotonin syndrome , especially when taken with certain antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and opioids.
Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome should be monitored when starting treatment with Flexeril. To reduce the risk of experiencing side effects, the recommended initial adult dose of tizanidine is 2 mg up to 3 times daily. The dose is then increased gradually in 2 mg to 4 mg steps until an effective dose is reached. The most common maintenance dose is 8 mg taken up to 3 times daily every 6 to 8 hours.
Do not take more than 36 mg of tizanidine within a hour period. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without talking to your doctor. Always take tizanidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Tizanidine can be taken with or without meals, however taking tizanidine with food may increase the side effects of this medication. Always take tizanidine the same way, either with food or on an empty stomach. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause an increase in blood pressure, rapid heart rate and muscle spasms. Talk to your doctor to find a safe way to stop taking the medication. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose of this medicine take it as soon as possible, if you remember within an hour or so of the missed dose. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome.
Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Some people may experience side effects other than those listed.
Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication. Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Birth control: Women taking birth control pills may need a lower dose of tizanidine to achieve a good effect. Birth control pills prevent tizanidine from leaving the body readily and may cause tizanidine to build up in the body leading to side effects. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you.
Heart rhythm: Tizanidine can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose.
Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: You should have fewer symptoms of muscle spasms. These symptoms can include muscle tightness, pain, or stiffness. A prescription for this medication is refillable.
You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take tizanidine. These issues include:. Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.
Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor may need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date.
However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.
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