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Zanaflex vs. Flexeril

Are Zanaflex and Flexeril the Same Thing?

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.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Zanaflex?

Common side effects of Zanaflex include:

What Are Possible Side Effects of Flexeril?

Common side effects of Flexeril include:

What is Zanaflex?

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

What is Flexeril?

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

What Drugs Interact With Zanaflex?

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.

What Drugs Interact With Flexeril?

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.

How Should Zanaflex Be Taken?

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.

How Should Flexeril Be Taken?

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.

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