Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant

Cyclobenzaprine is one of the most studied skeletal muscle relaxants, with solid evidence and systematic reviews supporting its effectiveness. Cyclobenzaprine, structurally related to first-generation TCAs, inhibits the reuptake of NE in the locus coeruleus and inhibits descending serotonergic pathways in the spinal cord. The latter effect may have an inhibitory effect on alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in decreased firing and a reduction in monosynaptic and polysynaptic spinal reflexes. Tizanidine acts as a weak agonist at alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, and enhances presynaptic inhibition at spinal motor neurons. Carisoprodol, a precursor of the sedative-hypnotic meprobamate, is believed to produce muscle relaxation by blocking interneuronal activity in the descending reticular formation and spinal cord. Baclofen activates GABA-B receptors in the brain and reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in both the brain and spinal cord.

In some cases, these drugs may be used together under the careful supervision of a physician as they can potentiate each other’s effects and side effects. Methocarbamol, also known by the brand Robaxin, belongs to the drug class of muscle relaxants. The primary use of this medication is short-term pain-reliever for musculoskeletal pains and flexeril.live 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.

• It primarily works on the brain stem and spinal cord in the CNS, which helps reduce motor activity.
• Robaxin (methocarbamol) is not fully understood, but may work on the brain and/or spinal cord.
• It is crucial to emphasize that combining Methocarbamol and Cyclobenzaprine should not be attempted without proper medical guidance.
• 8 years of nursing experience in wide variety of behavioral and addition settings that include adult inpatient and outpatient mental health services with substance use disorders, and geriatric long-term care and hospice care.
• Abrupt discontinuation of these drugs after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms.
• In this  comparison, both drugs are under the same drug class and both have the same indications – treatment for muscle pain and spasms.

Baclofen also acts by inhibiting the release of substance P in the spinal cord. In addition to muscle spasm, the muscle relaxants dantrolene, baclofen, and tizanidine have been shown to be effective for spasticity. Anyone with a history of substance abuse should mention this medical history to their doctor. Skeletal muscle relaxants are prescription medications commonly used to treat muscle pain and muscle spasms. If you have back pain or have suffered a strain or sprain, your healthcare provider may offer you a skeletal muscle relaxant such as methocarbamol (Robaxin) or cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid, Amrix). Methocarbamol is a centrally acting muscle relaxant chemically related to guaifenesin.

Adverse Effects

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 and Flexeril are two such drugs often prescribed for these conditions. They each impact different pathways within the nervous system but both have muscle-relaxant effects on patients suffering from painful musculoskeletal conditions. Robaxin (Methocarbamol) functions by suppressing nerve impulses traveling to the brain, thus decreasing the sensation of pain. Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine), on the other hand, is classified as a skeletal muscle relaxant; it works primarily by acting on the central nervous system to produce its muscle relaxant effects.

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Methocarbamol accounted for just over 7% of muscle relaxant prescriptions in the US. However, it appears to be a popular choice among professionals due to its low potential for abuse and dependence compared with other muscle relaxants. It’s important to note that while Flexeril offers effective relief from muscle spasms, its use could potentially disturb sleep patterns leading to insomnia. Less commonly experienced are urinary retention issues or significant weight changes. These medications are specifically dangerous for people of age 65 years and above or 16 and below. It is highly recommended to seek professional help if any signs of addictive behavior have been noticed in patients.

Are there any potential serious side effects for Robaxin?

Moreover, take note that when switching medications, it is very important to consult a medical doctor. Serotonergic drugs including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can also cause CNS effects. Taking muscle relaxants with these drugs can cause increased side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice to find the best treatment options for you. After a complete assessment from a doctor, one drug may be preferred depending on your overall medical history.

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. To talk with a doctor and see if a muscle relaxant is a good solution for you, get in touch with QuickMD today.

It is used in the treatment of muscle spasms resulting from injury, musculoskeletal disorders, tetanus and other disorders. It has been used with limited success in the treatment of paralysis agitans, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral vascular accident (with spastic manifestations). The drug is better than placebo, but not superior to analgesics, sedatives or other muscle relaxants.

Inappropriate Use of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants in Geriatric Patients

It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific condition and provide personalized recommendations on the most suitable and effective medication for you. 8 years of nursing experience in wide variety of behavioral and addition settings that include adult inpatient and outpatient mental health services with substance use disorders, and geriatric long-term care and hospice care. He has a particular interest in psychopharmacology, nutritional psychiatry, and alternative treatment options involving particular vitamins, dietary supplements, and administering auricular acupuncture. Even though both of the drugs are under the same drug class, Robaxin vs Flexeril differ in dosages and length of use. Robaxin is usually dosed multiple times a day while Flexeril can be taken once a day. Because of this, switching from Robaxin to Flexeril, or vice versa, without a doctor’s supervision is not advised.

World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy. 2018 Methocarbamol was prescribed approximately 3.9 million times, while Cyclobenzaprine was prescribed around 18.9 million times.