Additional potential side effects of this drug include fatigue, headache, nervousness, dilated pupils, hallucinations, increased heart rate, and digestion issues 1 , 8. The most common side effects of baclofen are muscle weakness, confusion, vertigo, nausea, and momentary sedation or drowsiness 2 , 4 , Additional potential side effects of this drug include low blood pressure, swelling, shortness of breath, and insomnia among many other reported adverse effects 2.
These side effects are most common with oral baclofen and less common with intrathecal baclofen because the drug is injected directly into the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord The intrathecal administration of baclofen must be monitored closely by the medical team and patient to ensure the pump is working properly 2.
Any issues with the delivery system can induce withdrawal from the drug in patients who have been using baclofen for more than two months 2. Baclofen withdrawal can be life-threatening with possible multi-organ failure and psychological symptoms 2 , When you want to cease a course of baclofen, you should talk to your doctor to come up with a gradual dose reduction schedule to help avoid withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuation 2.
Cyclobenzaprine was originally intended for use as an antidepressant 8. Use baclofen cautiously if you have kidney issues 2 , In general, avoid combining baclofen or cyclobenzaprine with any prescription drug that acts on the central nervous system 2 , 8.
Both baclofen and cyclobenzaprine carry significant adverse effects, and you should seek professional medical advice to determine which is best for you. Be aware of contraindications and drug interactions when taking these medications. Conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, exercise, and NSAIDs, should always be the first choice for remedying muscle spasms and related pain. Most healthcare professionals agree that muscle relaxants are overprescribed, especially since the risks and adverse effects outweigh the benefits in some cases 1.
Always discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is safest for you to take. Be aware of possible adverse effects and contraindications related to your personal history. Discuss dosing and delivery options with your healthcare provider to minimize risks. Conservative treatment is the first line of treatment with all muscle spasm. Cyclobenzaprine may help with acute musculoskeletal pain, while baclofen may help relieve chronic pain and spasticity due to a neurological origin.
Your medical history will help determine the safest medication for you. Both baclofen and Flexeril cyclobenzaprine are skeletal muscle relaxants that work in different ways to relieve muscle spasm. Both carry significant adverse effects and should only be used for short-term treatment. Generally, cyclobenzaprine is more effective in treating acute musculoskeletal pain due to an injury in the back or neck. Chronic pain from muscle spasticity related to neurological disease or injury responds best to baclofen.
Talk to your healthcare provider in-depth about your medical history to determine the safest medication for relieving your muscle spasm and pain. Login Get Started. Julieann Berg, DPT. Summary Muscle relaxants can act on the central nervous system or on the peripheral nervous system, depending on the cause of the muscle spasm. Dosage Baclofen can be administered orally or intrathecally through a surgically inserted spinal cord pump.
Uses Research shows that baclofen is an effective treatment for muscle spasm related to spasticity, especially in people with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and children over 12 with cerebral palsy 1 , 2 , 4 , 5.
Summary Baclofen is an antispastic drug used to treat chronic pain related to muscle spasticity and is delivered through an oral tablet or an intrathecal pump. Dosage Cyclobenzaprine Flexeril is delivered orally in immediate-release capsules generally 5 - 10 mg or extended-release capsules generally 15 - 30 mg 8. Uses The evidence suggests that cyclobenzaprine is an effective treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and outperforms placebos, especially in patients with acute lower back or neck pain 1 , 4.
Summary Cyclobenzaprine Flexeril is an antispasmodic drug used to treat musculoskeletal pain related to acute injury. Want more healthy tips that work for your busy lifestyle? Treatment of fibromyalgia with cyclobenzaprine: a meta-analysis.
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Aiken DW. A comparative study of the effects of cyclobenzaprine, diazepam, and placebo on acute skeletal muscle spasm of local origin. Brown BR jr, Womble J. Cyclobenzaprine in intractable pain syndrome with muscle spasms. Basmajian JV. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride effect on skeletal muscle spasm in the lumbar region and neck: two double-blind controlled clinical laboratory studies. Arch Phys Med Rehabil.
Cyclobenzaprine and back pain: a meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. Cyclobenzaprine and naproxen versus naproxen alone in the treatment of acute low back pain and muscle spasm. Clin Ther. Low-dose cyclobenzaprine versus combination therapy with ibuprofen for acute neck or back pain with muscle spasm: a randomized trial. Curr Med Res Opin. Management of acute musculoskeletal conditions: thoracolumbar strain or sprain.
Double-blind evaluation comparing the efficacy and safety of carisoprodol with diazepam. Today's Ther Trends. Bragstad A, Blikra G. Evaluation of a new skeletal muscle relaxant in the treatment of lower back pain a comparison of DS — with chlorzoxazone. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp.
A clinical and pharmacologic review of skeletal muscle relaxants for musculoskeletal conditions. Am J Ther. Borenstein DG, Korn S. Efficacy of a low-dose regimen of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride in acute skeletal muscle spasm: results of two placebo-controlled trials. Carisoprodol: a marginally effective skeletal muscle relaxant with serious abuse potential. Hosp Pharm. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference.
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Contact afpserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Aug 1, Issue. Choosing a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant. C 12 , 13 , 15 Skeletal muscle relaxants may be used as adjunctive therapy for acute low back pain.
B 17 , 18 Antispasmodic agents should be used short-term two weeks for acute low back pain. C 17 , 18 There is no clear evidence that one skeletal muscle relaxant is superior to another for musculoskeletal spasms.
B 17 , 18 Choice of skeletal muscle relaxant should be based on individual drug characteristics and patient situation. Read the full article. Get immediate access, anytime, anywhere. Choose a single article, issue, or full-access subscription. Earn up to 6 CME credits per issue. Purchase Access: See My Options close. Best Value! To see the full article, log in or purchase access.
More in Pubmed Citation Related Articles. Email Alerts Don't miss a single issue. Sign up for the free AFP email table of contents. Navigate this Article. An option that is easy on the pocket and comparatively less sedating too is Methocarbamol. Methocarbamol has been studied for back pain , and results show it can result in complete pain relief. It can be a reliable alternative. Gablofen is a better option for spasticity and spinal cord diseases, while Robaxin is used mainly for muscle spasm issues.
Both medications can be dangerous when used in combination with other drugs or substances such as narcotics. Therefore, they are different in their indications. Choosing Gablofen over Soma is normal as Soma offers greater side effects. Also, avoid using Soma in people over 65 and always go for better options if available. Even if prescribed, use only for two to three weeks as prolonged use has no evidence of showing effectiveness. Also known as Tizanidine , Zanaflex is used for spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.
The Tizanidine vs. Baclofen 10 pill comparison shows us that the latter has fewer side effects than Lioresal but the same level of effectiveness. However, it is not a first-line choice for back muscle pain or acute neck pain. Gablofen over-the-counter alternatives can also be used as therapy for muscle spasms caused by acute lower back pain, tension headaches, or other similar conditions in different patients.
Over the counter means that this medicine can be bought without a prescription, unlike Baclofen, which should be tried before one looks towards prescription medications. However, it does not mean that people should use OTC alternatives without visiting a doctor or medical health professional. It is highly recommended not to practice self-medication and always get correct medical supervision.
Examples include Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Acetaminophen is another Gablofen OTC alternative that works well to help relieve muscle pain. Gablofen vs. Flexeril comparison reveals in detail the similarities and differences between the two popularly prescribed muscle relaxants. While Gablofen and Flexeril are muscle relaxants, the former is the best choice for long-term use, while Flexeril is better for short-term use. Lioresal also will be the better option for the cases of multiple sclerosis, treating alcoholism and spinal cord issues.
Then, go through the comparison between Baclofen vs. Lastly, they should also remember to stick to the prescription and if they notice any chance of an addiction, report it to their physician or medical health professional immediately. Since then, Sharon devoted herself entirely to the medical niche.
Sharon Levy is also a certified addiction recovery coach. He has a particular interest in psychopharmacology, nutritional psychiatry, and alternative treatment options involving particular vitamins, dietary supplements, and administering auricular acupuncture. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers.
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Last Updated: May 28, What are These Drugs Known to Treat? Flexeril vs. Flexeril: What are the side effects of Flexeril that are different from Baclofen? What are the side effects of Gablofen that are different from Flexeril? Hope Without Commitment. Find the best treatment options.
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