Flexeril vs. Baclofen | Which one is more Effective?

What is Flexeril?

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that is used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments to relieve pain and suffering caused by muscle strains, sprains, and other injuries. Cyclobenzaprine belongs to the skeletal muscle relaxant class of drugs. It works by allowing the muscles to relax by acting on the brain and nerve system (RELAXANT, S.M., 1981. FLEXERIL).

What is Baclofen? 

Baclofen is a prescription pain reliever that is used to treat pain and spasticity caused by spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other spinal cord illnesses. Baclofen belongs to the skeletal muscle relaxant class of drugs. Baclofen works by acting on the nerves in the spinal cord, reducing the amount and intensity of muscular spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or other spinal disorders. It also helps with pain relief and muscle movement (Ghose, K., Holmes, K.M. and Matthewson, K., 1980).

Forms And Strength

For Flexeril

• Tablet for adults and children - 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg
• Capsule, extended use for adults only - 15mg, 30mg

For Baclofen

Oral Tablet - 10mg, 20mg

Dosages 

For Flexeril

The suggested cyclobenzaprine dose is 5 or 10 mg three times per day in immediate release pills or 15 or 30 mg once per day in extended-release tablets.

 You can check Flexeril’s price online from the certified online pharmacy but before consuming these medications always  ask for doctor’s prescription. (RELAXANT, S.M., 1981. FLEXERIL)

For Baclofen

For people with spasticity, the usual starting dose of oral baclofen is 5 mg three times daily. Depending on the reaction, the amount can be increased by 5 mg every three days, up to a maximum of 80 mg/day in divided doses (Ghose, K., Holmes, K.M. and Matthewson, K., 1980).

Side Effects

Drug Interactions

Flexeril 

• MAO inhibitors and FLEXERIL may have life-threatening interactions. 
• Alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants may be amplified by Flexeril.
• Antihypertensive effects of guanethidine and related substances may be blocked by tricyclic antidepressants. 
• Tricyclic antidepressants may amplify the risk of seizures in tramadol users (RELAXANT, S.M., 1981. FLEXERIL).

Baclofen

• The use of baclofen plus MAO inhibitors can lead to a decrease in brain function and a drop in blood pressure.
• Anti-diabetic medicine doses may need to be modified when baclofen is started because it can raise blood sugar.
• The use of baclofen and tricyclic antidepressants combined may produce muscle weakness, in addition to the danger of reducing brain function.
• Baclofen with monoamine oxidase inhibitors can cause brain function to be depressed as well as low blood pressure (Ghose, K., Holmes, K.M. and Matthewson, K., 1980).

Which One Is Better? 

If you have acute back or neck pain due to a musculoskeletal injury or fibromyalgia, cyclobenzaprine is the best treatment option. If you have spasticity or persistent pain as a result of neurological disease or injury, such as multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury, baclofen may be the best option for you.

Always talk to your healthcare professional about your medical history to determine which medications are safest for you. Any medication's apparent benefits should always outweigh the potential hazards.