Skelaxin vs. Flexeril

• Are Skelaxin and Flexeril the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Skelaxin?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Flexeril?
• What Is Skelaxin?
• What Is Flexeril?
• What Drugs Interact with Skelaxin?
• What Drugs Interact with Flexeril?
• How Should Skelaxin Be Taken?
• How Should Flexeril Be Taken?

Skelaxin (metaxalone) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are skeletal muscle relaxants prescribed to treat painful muscle spasms.

Side effects of Skelaxin and Flexeril that are similar include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or stomach upset or pain.

Common side effects of Skelaxin include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• irritability,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach, or
• skin rash.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Skelaxin including stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Flexeril include:

• sleepiness
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• low blood pressure
• headache
• convulsions
• seizures
• low muscle tone
• weakness
• agitation
• constipation
• chills
• urinary retention or urinary frequency
• confusion, and
• trouble sleeping

Skelaxin (metaxalone) is a skeletal muscle relaxant prescribed for the short-term treatment of painful muscle spasms. Skelaxin is available as a generic drug.

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a muscle relaxant indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Significant drug interactions have not been reported with Skelaxin although it may increase the sedative effects of alcohol and drugs that cause sedation.

Flexeril especially when used with alcohol or other CNS depressants, may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle.

Skelaxin's usual dose is 800 mg taken three or four times daily.

For most patients, the recommended dose of Flexeril is 5 mg three times a day. Based on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to 10 mg three times a day. Use of Flexeril for periods longer than two or three weeks is not recommended.