Overview:
Zanaflex vs Flexeril: Zanaflex (tizanidine), and Flexeril, (cyclobenzaprine), are muscle relaxants that can be used to treat painful musculoskeletal disorders.
A muscle relaxant such as Flexeril or Zanaflex may be recommended for you if you have back or neck strains. These drugs may also be used to treat muscle stiffness and spasms due to injuries or other conditions.
Zanaflex (and Flexeril) work in the same way as other muscle relaxants. Their side effects and costs are also similar. They do have some differences in the way they are used and formulated.
Brand-name Flexeril has been discontinued; however, it is still available as a generic–cyclobenzaprine–and as brand names Amrix and Fexmid.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
What are the main differences between these two drugs Zanaflex and Flexeril?
Zanaflex:
What is Zanaflex? Zanaflex is the brand name of tizanidine. It acts as an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist. It was approved for muscle spasticity treatment in 1996.
It is not known how it works, but it is believed that it manages muscle spasticity by inhibiting motor nerve signals.
Zanaflex can be taken as an oral tablet in strengths up to 4 mg. You can also buy Zanaflex as an oral tablet in strengths of 2mg, 4mg, and 6mg.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Flexeril:
What is Flexeril? Flexeril is a brand-name drug that was FDA-approved in 1977. Flexeril’s generic name, cyclobenzaprine is available in large quantities.
Flexeril works primarily in the central nervous system (CNS) and is structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants. Flexeril reduces muscle hyperactivity by activating the gamma and alpha motor systems.
Flexeril is no longer available for Cyclobenzaprine. You can instead find cyclobenzaprine under two different brands: Fexmid (immediate-release) and Amrix (extended-release).
The immediate-release cyclobenzaprine can be taken up to three times daily, while the extended-release version can only be taken once per day.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Conditions that can be treated with Flexeril and Zanaflex:
Flexeril and Zanaflex are both drugs that can be used to treat muscle spasms and musculoskeletal conditions.
Zanaflex is often prescribed to treat spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral paralysis, and spinal cord injury.
Flexeril is commonly prescribed to treat muscle spasms and pain caused by neck and back strains.
Flexeril and Zanaflex are often prescribed off-label for the treatment of migraines and fibromyalgia. Zanaflex and Flexeril are often combined with other drugs to help with muscle stiffness, tremors, and other symptoms associated with tetanus.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Which is more effective, Zanaflex or Flexeril?
Both Flexeril and Zanaflex are effective drugs to treat muscle spasms. The appropriateness of each drug depends on the individual case.
A meta-analysis found that cyclobenzaprine was studied in the largest clinical trials and evidence supports its use. Multiple sclerosis spasticity was treated with tizanidine.
Both tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine were effective in treating musculoskeletal conditions like acute neck or back pain.
Over 100 trials were compared to compare muscle relaxants including Lioresal (baclofen), Soma(carisoprodol), Robaxin/methocarbamol, Skelaxin/metaxalone, and Valium (diazepam).
The study concluded that the efficacy and safety of these drugs were comparable. Another recommendation is that muscle relaxants can cause increased drowsiness, and should not be used for the long term.
Physical therapy is often combined with drugs like Flexeril and Zanaflex to relieve pain. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you.
Flexeril vs Tizanidine
They have different dosages and treatment durations. Additionally, they have different half-lives. This is the time that the drug takes to decrease by one-half or 50% in the bloodstream. Zanaflex has a half-life of 2.5 hours while Flexeril lasts 18 hours.
ARE Tizanidine AND FLEXERIL THE SAME THING?
Zanaflex (tizanidine hydrochloride), and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), are muscle relaxants that can be used to relieve muscle cramping and tightness (spasm) due to acute and painful musculoskeletal conditions. Flexeril can be used as an adjunct to Rest and Physical Therapy to relieve muscle spasms. Zanaflex is used for conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and spinal Injury.
Side Effects Difference Between Flexeril VS Tizanidine
| Flexeril | Tizanidine | |
| Side Effects | Side Effects | |
| 1 | Anxiousness | Dry Mouth Or Throat |
| 2 | Nervousness | Headache |
| 3 | Numbness or Tingling | Drowsiness |
| 4 | Vomiting | Dizziness |
| 5 | Muscle weakness | Fatigue |
| 6 | Back Pain | Stomach Pain |
| 7 | Sweating | Diarrhea |
| 8 | Skin Rash | Constipation |
| 9 | Increased Muscle Tone or Spasms | Gas |
| 10 | Fatigue | · Loss of Appetite |
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Comparison of Zanaflex and Flexeril coverages:
Generic Zanaflex is usually covered by most Medicare plans and insurance policies. The strength of the drug and the instructions given by your doctor will determine the amount that you are prescribed.
Zanaflex retails for an average of $56. A Zanaflex coupon can help you save up to $10 on 30, 4 mg tablets.
Flexeril, when prescribed as a generic, is covered by most Medicare plans and insurance. It is common to prescribe immediate-release tablets multiple times daily.
A prescription for cyclobenzaprine can cost around $42. Flexeril coupons can be used to obtain a discounted price of $7 at participating pharmacies.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Side effects common to Zanaflex vs. Flexeril:
Zanaflex is known to cause dry mouth, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Other side effects reported include involuntary movements and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Flexeril’s most frequent side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and drowsiness. Other side effects of Flexeril include constipation, nausea, and diarrhea.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Drug interactions between Zanaflex and Flexeril:
The liver’s CYP1A2 enzyme is responsible for most of the processing of Zanaflex. Zanaflex can be increased by drugs that inhibit or block this enzyme.
An increase in drug levels can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
Flexeril may interact with serotonergic medications like MAO inhibitors and antidepressants.
These drugs can interact with Flexeril, increasing the chance of serotonin syndrome. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
Combining Zanaflex or Flexeril with CNS depressant drugs can lead to their interaction. These drugs include opioids, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
Zanaflex or Flexeril can increase their effects, causing dizziness or sedation.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Warnings about Flexeril and Zanaflex:
Zanaflex can cause hypotension or abnormally low blood pressure. Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where a person who has taken Zanaflex can move to supine after being laid down.
Flexeril can also cause blood pressure changes if taken in excess.
Zanaflex can cause liver injury in certain people, particularly those with a history of liver impairment. People with liver impairment should be cautious when using Flexeril.
Serotonin syndrome can be caused by Flexeril, particularly when it is taken in combination with antidepressants and MAO inhibitors.
When starting Flexeril treatment, it is important to monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin disorder.
FAQs about Zanaflex vs Flexeril
What is Zanaflex?
Zanaflex (or tizanidine) is a muscle relaxant that can be used to treat spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. To relax muscles, it works by blocking motor nerve signals. You can take it as a tablet of 2 mg or 4 mg every 6-8 hours.
What is Flexeril?
Flexeril is the name of cyclobenzaprine. It’s a muscle relaxant that is used to treat acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions like back or neck pain.
It acts in the central nervous system (CNS), to relieve muscle spasms and pain. Cyclobenzaprine comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms.
Are Zanaflex or Flexeril the exact same thing?
Flexeril and Zanaflex are different. Flexeril is more stable than Zanaflex, with a half-life that averages 18 hours. Flexeril is available in extended-release capsules.
Zanaflex comes only in immediate-release oral capsules and tablets.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Which is better, Flexeril or Zanaflex?
Zanaflex, a brand-new FDA-approved drug for muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, is Zanaflex.
Flexeril, an older drug, has been studied more extensively for spasms and musculoskeletal pain. The best drug for you is the one that suits your condition.
Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Can I use Flexeril or Zanaflex while I’m pregnant?
Animal studies have shown that Zanaflex can cause harm to an unborn baby. No human or animal studies have shown Flexeril to be harmful during pregnancy.
Only use muscle relaxers if they have clear benefits that outweigh the potential risks.
For treatment options during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Can I take Zanaflex and Flexeril with alcohol?
The sedative effects can be increased by drinking alcohol while on Zanaflex and Flexeril. It is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking muscle relaxants.
Is tizanidine more effective than cyclobenzaprine?
Tizanidine is a good choice for muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral paralysis, and spinal cord injury.
To relieve muscle spasms and pain, Cyclobenzaprine can be used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Is Zanaflex addictive or not?
According to the DEA, Zanaflex does not count as a controlled drug. It can, however, be misused by some, just like other muscle relaxers.
Zanaflex can be used as a temporary treatment. Long-term Zanaflex use can lead to dependence and abuse, which could lead to addictive behaviors.
Is Flexeril a pain relief medication?
Flexeril can indirectly ease muscle spasm pain. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter drug such as acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, depending on the cause of the pain.
Zanaflex vs Flexeril
Conclusion:
From the US –
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
This blog on Zanaflex vs Flexeril is only made for the purpose of knowledge so, better to consult a qualified doctor before using this medicine.
You can also read more health-related articles by subscribing and liking us on Facebook and Instagram.
