Cyclobenzaprine vs Methocarbamol: Flexeril & Robaxin Generics Comparison
speciality medications
When you require relief from muscle pain and spasms, you may have to make a choice between generic muscle relaxants: Cyclobenzaprine vs. methocarbamol. Which will work best for you?
If you suffer from muscle pain and spasms, you know precisely how debilitating they are. It’s challenging to live your life or get anything done. With muscle relaxants like methocarbamol (generic for Robaxin) or cyclobenzaprine (generic for Flexeril) on hand, you can reduce muscle tension, improve your quality of life, and go about your daily activities.
While these two meds are similar, they’re not exactly the same. One may be a better fit for you than the other. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision for your health!
Robaxin vs. Flexeril, Cyclobenzaprine vs. Methocarbamol: Key Differences
First things first: Robaxin and Flexeril and their generic counterparts are all muscle relaxants. What does that mean?
What Are Muscle Relaxants?
Muscle relaxants relax your muscles. Medications that belong to this class of drugs treat muscle spasms, acute muscle pain, and chronic muscular conditions (such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis).
Muscle relaxant medications work in one of two ways.
- Centrally acting muscle relaxants influence the body’s central nervous systems to indirectly reduce muscle spasms and tension. They do this by blocking the signaling pathway between nerves and muscles to reduce any communication that could result in muscle pain.
- Peripherally acting muscle relaxants work directly on the muscles themselves to reduce spasms and soothe tension.
Robaxin and Flexeril, two common and effective muscle relaxants, are centrally acting agents.
This doesn’t mean they’re the same drug, or even that they work in precisely the same way.
What Is Robaxin (Methocarbamol)?
Robaxin, or generic methocarbamol, is a prescription muscle relaxant medication. It treats muscle spasms and pain, and it has ever since its initial approval in the ‘50s. Robaxin and methocarbamol block central nervous system signals to muscles all over the human body. This can reduce spasms and tension.
Robaxin can also have sedative effects. If you take Robaxin, keep an eye out for any sleepiness or fatigue you may experience. Typically, adults take Robaxin often, with some treatment plans including four doses per day (usually for just a few days). Your doctor will help you determine the best dosing schedule for you.
Robaxin is quite effective. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxants in America.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean it’s an affordable drug.
How Much Does Robaxin Cost?
Generic methocarbamol is widely available in the States, so it can be difficult to find brand-name Robaxin.
American patients who want brand-name Robaxin may pay around $80.00 for a 30-pill supply of the drug, or around $2.60 per pill.
Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy 50 pills of Robaxin for about $47.00 – or around $1.00 per pill, for a savings of up to 61%.
If you’d like to buy generic methocarbamol here, you can buy 100 pills for about $35.00, or $0.35.
What Is Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine)?
Flexeril, or generic cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant much like Robaxin. It also blocks the transmission of signals from the central nervous system to the muscles, which can reduce tension and spasms. Flexeril specifically blocks serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and, interestingly, muscle contraction. By blocking serotonin’s route to the muscles, Flexeril can promote muscle relaxation.
Flexeril is a newer drug than Robaxin; it was approved for use in the ‘70s. Despite this, Flexeril is one of America's most widely prescribed muscle relaxants.
Like Robaxin, patients taking Flexeril may take it 3-4 times daily. Your doctor can help you determine your best dosing schedule.
Finally, just be aware that Flexeril can cause dizziness and drowsiness. If you take Flexeril or generic cyclobenzaprine, you should take extreme care while driving or using heavy machinery, or avoid these practices altogether.
How Much Does Flexeril Cost?
Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy 100 pills of generic cyclobenzaprine for approximately $27.00, or around $0.27 per pill.
Cyclobenzaprine vs. Methocarbamol Generics Comparison
Robaxin and Flexeril both treat muscle spasms, tension, and pain. They may both make you sleepy, and patients can take each several times a day (depending on doctor recommendations).
How do these two drugs compare in other categories, such as efficacy, safety, and cost?
Effectiveness: Cyclobenzaprine vs. Methocarbamol
While both drugs are effective, there is evidence that Flexeril can be more potent for patients who need reliable, substantial relief.
For example, a comparative study published in The Journal of Emergency Medicine found that cyclobenzaprine was slightly more effective than methocarbamol in helping patients with lower back pain experience relief.
These results don’t definitively prove that Flexeril is more universally effective than Robaxin.
Depending on your unique constellation of symptoms, existing conditions, and treatments, Robaxin or Flexeril may be the best choice for you. Your doctor can help you evaluate your options.
Cost and Insurance Coverage: Cyclobenzaprine vs. Methocarbamol
Medication affordability can, and likely should, influence a patient's choice.
Your insurance may cover generic cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol, making any price difference between the options minimal.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re covered and don’t need to weigh your options carefully.
Perhaps you’ll find out that you experience better results with the brand-name version of your preferred drug, and your insurance only covers generic. It’s also possible that your insurance company will drop coverage of one medication or the other without much notice, leaving you responsible for the total costs of your required treatment.
Whether you take advantage of your insurance coverage or not, it can be a safe idea to seek out reliably low-cost solutions that don’t depend on insurance. It’s even better if that reliably low-cost solution gives you affordable options for generic and brand-name products.
Here, at NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy Robaxin for about $1.00 per pill and generic Flexeril for about $0.30 per pill.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns: Cyclobenzaprine vs. Methocarbamol
Like all medications, Robaxin and Flexeril come with potential side effects.
Before discussing those specific side effects, remember that just because something is listed as a potential side effect doesn’t mean you’ll experience it. And even if you do experience any of these side effects, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to use that medication. It’s just information to be aware of and to discuss with your doctor.
That said, side effects to look out for when you start taking either Robaxin, Flexeril, or their generic equivalents may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
These medications may cause allergic reactions, heart or liver problems, or seizures in some severe circumstances. This is unlikely, but, again, something to be aware of.
Muscle Relaxer Warnings and Precautions
Safety first! Muscle relaxer medications can dramatically affect how your body performs – or subtle effects that could still influence how you engage with your day-to-day environments. With that in mind, consider these potential risks and possible mitigating practices after you’ve started taking a muscle relaxer.
- Risks associated with driving or operating machinery. These medications can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Don’t overestimate your ability to be alert on the road! If possible, avoid driving while taking muscle relaxants or time your medication use to drive as safely as possible.
- Risks that are heightened for elderly patients taking muscle relaxers. Elderly patients may experience heightened side effects. When possible, elderly patients should start with a low dose and increase the dose as needed.
- Risks that are potentially more severe for people who are pregnant. Robaxin and Flexeril aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are taking these medications and believe you are or may become pregnant, talk to your doctor at once. (Don’t discontinue your medication use before doing so, as suddenly stopping your meds can have dangerous side effects, too.)
- Risks associated with potential dependence. It’s possible to fall into a pattern of dependance on these medications. Make sure you take these medications as your doctor recommends, according to your recommended dosing schedule.
As with scary lists of side effects accompanying drugs, lists of risks and considerations can make it sound like taking this drug may be more dangerous than it’s worth. This likely isn’t the case. It’s good to be aware of these risks and discuss them with your doctor, if you believe they are relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flexeril and Robaxin
We’ve covered a lot of information about these two common muscle-relaxing drugs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the most essential information you need to know about these medications, summed up in easy-to-remember, accessible FAQs:
What are Robaxin and Flexeril?
Robaxin (or methocarbamol) and Flexeril (or cyclobenzaprine) are muscle relaxants. Patients take them to treat spasms and muscle pain.
Are Robaxin and Flexeril the Same Thing?
No, Robaxin and Flexeril are not the same thing, although they may provide similar benefits. They have slightly different mechanisms of action, for example.
Robaxin blocks signal transmission, or communication, from nerves to affected muscles. Flexeril targets a specific neurotransmitter, serotonin, to curb muscle contraction.
Robaxin vs. Flexeril: Which Is Better?
Pitting Robaxin vs. Flexeril (or methocarbamol vs. cyclobenzaprine) against each other may not be necessary at a high level! Both medications are generally safe and effective.
When you and your doctor determine which of these medications is best for you and your unique symptoms, your doctor will consider many factors to provide an informed recommendation.
Can I Take Robaxin or Flexeril During Pregnancy?
It’s not a good idea to take Robaxin or Flexeril if you are pregnant or could shortly become pregnant. Both of these medications have been shown to cross the placenta, which means they could theoretically cause harm to a developing fetus.
If you are on Robaxin or Flexeril and think you may become pregnant, speak to your doctor. They can help you put together a medication plan or consider alternative treatments.
Is It Safe to Consume Alcohol While Taking Robaxin or Flexeril?
No, it isn’t safe to consume alcohol while taking Robaxin or Flexeril.
These medications have sedative properties. So does alcohol. If you’re taking these muscle relaxants and you add alcohol in the mix, you could heighten the risk of your side effects or experience levels of fatigue, drowsiness, and dizziness that you did not anticipate.
Making an Informed Choice Between Cyclobenzaprine vs. Methocarbamol
Both Robaxin and Flexeril offer effective relief for muscle pain, but the best choice depends on individual needs.
If you’re looking for ways to make more informed decisions about your health, finding a reliable online pharmacy that publishes updated information about prescription medications and provides transparent pricing structures is the way to go.
Often, it can seem impossible to understand your pharmaceutical options. Whether it’s challenging to track down prices or you just don’t want to drive to a brick-and-mortar location and talk to a person face-to-face about sensitive health information, it’s easy to procrastinate on getting the medications you need to combat illness or feel great.
(And, of course, that’s assuming you’ll be able to afford the medication you need once you find it – which is not something you can assume in America.)
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, we aim to simplify this process. Whether you're a staunch supporter of brand-name medications like Flexeril and Robaxin or you're curious about the efficacy of generic drugs such as cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol, our platform offers you the easy ability to find, buy, and afford both.
Interested in learning more about how we can make it easier for you to purchase the information you need? Check out our simple, straightforward guide to buying medication from Canada, or read one of our hundreds of thousands of satisfied customer reviews.
Call our team at 1-866-539-5330 when you’re ready to place your order for international and Canada drugs online, or if you have any questions for us at all! We’re here to help you make the best possible decisions about your care.
