Baclofen Vs Soma- Similarities, Differences

Baclofen and Soma are prescription medications for muscle spasms and musculoskeletal pain. But they both work in different ways and have other potential side effects.

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant. It works by holding back the transmission of specific spinal cord nerves, which helps relieve muscle spasms and discomfort. It is usually prescribed for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, including stiffness, pain, and spasm.

On the other hand, Soma works by blocking the pain sensation transmission between the nerves and the brain, which can help treat acute muscle pain. It is advised to treat acute muscle pain and discomfort.
Even though both medications treat similar conditions, they have different potential side effects and work in another way. Let's take a look at it.

A Short Brief On Baclofen

Baclofen is found under the brand name Gablofen and Lioresal and is used as a generic name for a class of drugs named antispastic and muscle relaxant. Moreover, it works by relaxing the muscles, thus used for muscle spasms and symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, including stiffness, pain, and spasm.

Additionally, it is used in patients with injury or spinal cord disease symptoms. Recently, it has been used in high doses to treat alcohol dependence.

A Short Brief Of Soma

Soma belongs to a class of drugs used as a muscle relaxant and carries Carisoprodol as its active ingredient. It is recommended as medication to treat muscle pain for the short term; however, using it for 14 to 21 days and not more than that is worthwhile.

The first medical approval of Soma came into being in 2007. It performs its action by blocking pain sensation between nerves and the brain. It is a controlled drug and available with prescription you can buy soma online through certified pharmacy.

Similarities Between Baclofen And Soma

• Baclofen and Soma are prescription medicines for muscle spasms and musculoskeletal pain. They have some similarities; here are a few;
• Both medications are prescribed to treat muscle pain, and both work by affecting the central nervous system.
• They both are available only with the proper prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
• Baclofen and Soma both have the potential to cause drowsiness and dizziness and impair cognitive and motor function. So patients are advised not to drive or operate machinery that needs alertness after using Baclofen or Soma.
• Both medicines are used for short-term treatment, usually up to two to three weeks.
• Both medicines may interact with other medications and cause serious health issues. So informing your doctor about all your drugs before starting treatment with Baclofen and Soma is essential.
• While they have a few similarities, Baclofen and Soma also differ in their mechanism and effects.

Differences Between Baclofen And Soma 

Baclofen

Baclofen is the doctor's first choice to treat muscle spasticity caused by partial spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis. It has little or no effect on anxiety. Baclofen reaches its maximum plasma concentration within 2 to 3 hours of ingestion. It is available as granules, tablets, and liquid solutions.

Soma

Soma is not preferable for long-term therapy, Soma is still used as a short-term relaxant for muscle pain and spasms. It is used with physical therapy and rests on treating acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Soma reaches its maximum plasma concentration within 3 to 4 hours compared to Baclofen.

Pros Of Baclofen And Soma 

Pros of Baclofen are;

• Work very quickly
• Can cut or crush tablets
• Available as a low-cost generic
• Can be consumed with or without food

Pros of Soma include;

• Also, it Works quickly
• Can be cut or crushed in half
• Available as an affordable generic
• Easy availability to buy Soma online with a prescription.

Drug interaction

Baclofen negatively interacts with many drugs given as;

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• Ambien (zolpidem)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Norco (acetaminophen/hydrocodone)
• Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine), and so on.

Soma is commonly known for interacting with the medication taken along with it. To this extent, it is preferable to inform your healthcare professional about other medicines you are currently taking, most particularly;
Antifungal medicine, such as ketoconazole or voriconazole

• A sedative: diazepam, alprazolam, or Valium;
• Stomach acid reducers- omeprazole, lansoprazole, Nexium, or Prilosec;
• Fluvoxamine
• Rifampin;
• Seizure medicine, such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine.

Side Effects Of Baclofen Vs. Soma

Downside Baclofen

Baclofen is not recommended except for muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or brain injury.
If you consume it too long, it needs more time to step out from the Baclofen slowly.

It is not as effective as it should be among a person who has previously experienced a stroke and is more likely to cause other side effects.

Soma Has The Following Downsides

• Because of the dependence-causing and significant abusive usage effect, Soma is not sometimes a choice for doctors.
• The effectiveness of Soma lowers after a short period. That's why it is recommended for the short term.
• It can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped all of a sudden.

Contraindications For Baclofen vs Soma

It is mandatory to inform your doctor before starting Baclofen as a medication if you,
Have another seizure disorder or epilepsy.

• Use narcotic (opioid) medication.
• Have kidney disease
• Have any previous history of blood clots or strokes?
• Likewise, inform your physician about the following before taking Soma as a muscle relaxant;
• Nephropathy
• Liver disease
• History of seizures

Precaution For Baclofen vs. Soma

• Avoid or limit drinking alcohol or alcoholic beverages while consuming Baclofen or Soma because alcohol increases the risk of severe side effects. Alcohol can trigger Soma and Baclofen nervous system side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose of Soma or Baclofen.
• Also, avoid activities requiring mental alertness, like driving or using hazardous machinery.
• Discuss your concerns or issues with your doctor.
• Using Baclofen or Soma while pregnant is considered unsafe. You should consult your doctor or healthcare professional if you are pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: Before using Baclofen or Soma, it's essential to inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding. Taking Baclofen or Soma without consulting the doctor may be unsafe for the child.

Also, read

• Robaxin Vs Baclofen Which Is Better?

Conclusion

The difference between Baclofen and Soma is quite apparent now. Comparing the medicine which can work in a similar area of effect is like ignoring the doctor's advice and deciding itself, which can cost the health. The drug is prescribed as per the need of the hour or situation.