Muscle relaxants are often prescribed to treat pain caused by muscle spasms, and each medication works by a different mechanism of action. Let’s learn more about these muscle relaxants and their side effects.
What Are the Most-Prescribed Muscle Relaxants?
Four popular muscle relaxants are Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), baclofen, Robaxin (methocarbamol), and Zanaflex (tizanidine).
- Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine): Works at the brainstem, decreasing muscle activity by acting upon motor nerves.
- Baclofen: Acts on nerves in the spinal cord and brain.
- Robaxin (Methocarbamol): Not fully understood, but may work on the brain and/or spinal cord.
- Zanaflex (Tizanidine): Blocks pain sensations at the nerves.
What Are Typical Doses for Muscle Relaxants?
- Flexeril: 15mg or 30mg by oral capsule per day.
- Baclofen: 60mg to 120mg per day, orally, divided into three doses.
- Robaxin: 750mg by mouth every 4 hours.
- Zanaflex: 2mg by mouth every 6 to 8 hours.
What Are the Common Side Effects of These Drugs?
Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine):
- Dry mouth and throat
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Poor appetite
- Abdominal pain
Baclofen:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Insomnia
Robaxin (Methocarbamol):
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Flushing
Zanaflex (Tizanidine):
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Tiredness
How Much Do These Medications Cost?
- Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine): Prices start around $4 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 10 mg. Visit the GoodRx cyclobenzaprine page for coupons.
- Baclofen: Prices start around $13 for 60 tablets, 10 mg in strength. Visit the GoodRx baclofen page for coupons.
- Robaxin (methocarbamol): Prices start around $8 for a bottle of 60 tablets, 500 mg in strength. Visit the GoodRx methocarbamol page for coupons.
- Zanaflex (Tizanidine): Prices start under $5 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 4 mg. Visit the GoodRx generic Zanaflex page for coupons.
How Can I Get a Prescription for One of These Muscle Relaxants?
All the muscle relaxants listed above are prescription medications that need approval from 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.
Contact QuickMD today to talk with a doctor and determine whether a muscle relaxant is a good solution for you.
Get Professional Advice with QuickMD
For personalized medical advice and prescriptions for muscle relaxants, QuickMD’s telemedicine urgent care services are here to help. Consult with a QuickMD provider today to find the best muscle relaxant for your needs.
