Zanaflex vs. Flexeril

• Are Zanaflex and Flexeril the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Zanaflex? (Side effects)
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Flexeril? (Side effects)
• What is Zanaflex? (Uses)
• What is Flexeril? (Uses)
• What Drugs Interact with Zanaflex? (Interactions)
• What Drugs Interact with Flexeril? (Interactions)
• How Should Zanaflex Be Taken? (Dosage)
• How Should Flexeril Be Taken? (Dosage)

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Zanaflex (tizanidine hydrochloride) are muscle relaxants used to treat muscle tightness and cramping (spasm) caused by acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Flexeril is generally indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm while Zanaflex is used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury.

Common side effects of Zanaflex include:

• anxiousness,
• nervousness,
• numbness or tingling,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• vomiting,
• fever,
• dry mouth,
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• muscle weakness,
• back pain,
• increased muscle tone or spasms,
• sweating,
• skin rash, and
• fatigue.

Common side effects of Flexeril include:

• dry mouth or throat
• headache
• blurred vision
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain
• nausea
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas, or
• muscle weakness.

Zanaflex is used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury.

Flexeril is generally indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm

Zanaflex may interact with alcohol. Zanaflex may also interact with different drugs including acyclovir, cimetidine, amotidine, ticlopidine, zileuton, birth control pills, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, or heart rhythm medications.

Flexeril may interact with alcohol. Flexeril may also interact with different drugs including tricyclic antidepressants, atropine, benztropine, dimenhydrinate, methscopolamine, scopolamine, bronchodilators, glycopyrrolate, guanethidine, mepenzolate, tramadol, bladder or urinary medications, or irritable bowel medications, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants.

Zanaflex should be taken exactly as prescribed (consistently either with or without food) and not to switch between tablets and capsules. Inform patients that they should not take more Zanaflex than prescribed because of the risk of adverse events at single doses greater than 8 mg or total daily doses greater than 36 mg. Tell patients that they should not suddenly discontinue Zanaflex, because rebound hypertension and tachycardia may occur.

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.