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Skelaxin vs. Norflex

Are Skelaxin and Norflex the Same Thing?

Skelaxin (metaxalone) and Norflex (orphenadrine citrate) are skeletal muscle relaxants prescribed for the short-term treatment of painful muscle spasms.

Norflex is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatment.

Side effects of Skelaxin and Norflex that are similar include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Side effects of Skelaxin that are different from Norflex include nervousness, irritability, upset stomach, and skin rash.

Side effects of Norflex that are different from Skelaxin include dry mouth or throat, lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, dilated pupils, and constipation.

Both Skelaxin and Norflex may interact with alcohol and other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (sleeping pill, narcotics, prescription cough medicines, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Skelaxin?

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).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Norflex?

Common side effects of Norflex include:

  • dry mouth or throat,
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • drowsiness,
  • lightheadedness,
  • weakness,
  • blurred vision,
  • dilated pupils,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting, and
  • constipation.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Norflex including

  • fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats,
  • confusion,
  • anxiety,
  • agitation,
  • tremors,
  • hallucinations;
  • seizures (convulsions); or
  • urinating less than usual or not at all.

What Is Skelaxin?

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

What Is Norflex?

Norflex (orphenadrine citrate 100mg) is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms/pain. Norflex is usually used along with rest, physical therapy, and other treatment.

What Drugs Interact With Skelaxin?

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

What Drugs Interact With Norflex?

Norflex may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor all the medications you use.

How Should Skelaxin Be Taken?

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

How Should Norflex Be Taken?

For adults, Norflex is dosed as one 2 mL ampul (60 mg) intravenously or intramuscularly; may be repeated every 12 hours.

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