Key Similarities and Differences | |
---|---|
Key Similarities | Key Differences |
Is it a muscle relaxant? | Different mechanisms of action and different indications (reasons for prescription) |
Because of its calming properties, it may help people with insomnia caused by severe muscle spasms. | Safety during pregnancy varies |
May cause dizziness, drowsiness, and abdominal pain | Recommended usage periods vary. |
Available in a variety of dosages | Various age restrictions |
Not considered a controlled substance | different levels of sedation |
What is tizanidine?
Tizanidine, often sold under the brand name Zanaflex, is a short-acting muscle relaxant. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage spasticity (characterized by muscle tightness or stiffness) in adults. Spasticity is often associated with other health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Tizanidine is not suitable for back or neck pain.
Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It reduces pain and spasms by preventing nerve signals from the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, from being transmitted to the muscles. The effects are temporary because they act short-term and do not last long in the body. Treatments should be used as needed to relieve symptoms.
This medication comes in tablet and capsule form. The recommended starting dose is 2 milligrams (mg) every 6 to 8 hours, up to 3 doses in 24 hours.
You should avoid tizanidine if you take the following medications:
- Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin)
- Arrhythmia medications, such as Nexterone (amiodarone)
- Pepcid (famotidine)
- Oral contraceptives (birth control)
- Zovirax (aciclovir)
Benefits of Tizanidine
Advantages of taking tizanidine include:
- Available as generic (non-branded)
- Effectively reduces muscle spasms and stiffness
- Flexible dosing options
- Less sedative effect
Tizanidine side effects
The most common side effects associated with tizanidine use include:
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- lack of energy
- dizziness
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Constipation
- Abnormal liver function tests
- throw up
Hypotension should be monitored, especially if taking medications that lower blood pressure at the same time.
If you experience hallucinations, talk to your healthcare provider about stopping tizanidine. Avoid using tizanidine with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as benzodiazepines and opioids.
What is cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine, sold under the brand name Amrix, is also a short-acting muscle relaxant. The FDA has approved it to treat muscle spasms associated with painful musculoskeletal disorders in adults and children 15 years of age and older. It is also used in relaxation and physical therapy.
Immediate-release cyclobenzaprine has been used off-label (i.e., at conditions or dose levels other than those approved by the FDA) to treat fibromyalgia, a chronic, widespread muscle pain condition in adults. However, it is not FDA-approved for this use and has not been shown in clinical trials to be safe or effective for this indication.
Cyclobenzaprine is available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules. The recommended starting dose for cyclobenzaprine tablets is 5 mg up to three times daily, and for cyclobenzaprine capsules it is typically 15 mg once daily. A maximum treatment period of 2 to 3 weeks is recommended.
Cyclobenzaprine should not be taken after stopping or within 14 days of stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), or Emsam (selegiline), because of the risk of serious side effects.
You should avoid using cyclobenzaprine if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Ultram (tramadol)
- SSRIs, Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline)
- SNRIs (such as Cymbalta and Effexor)
- Tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline
- Wellbutrin (bupropion)
- Verellan (verapamil)
Make sure your health care provider knows all supplements, prescriptions, or over-the-counter medications you take. If treatment with other medications that pose a potential risk of interaction with cyclobenzaprine is necessary, tell your healthcare provider of any side effects you experience.
Benefits of Cyclobenzaprine
Benefits of using cyclobenzaprine include:
- General form available
- Safety During Pregnancy
- It can also be sprinkled on apple sauce.
- Available in immediate-release and sustained-release formulations
- Can be used by people with kidney problems
- May help those with back pain
- Take with or without food
Side effects of cyclobenzaprine
The most common side effects associated with cyclobenzaprine use include:
- colic
- acid reflux
- Constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- sickness
- nervousness
- Respiratory infection
Do not use cyclobenzaprine together with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants such as benzodiazepines or opioids.
Use with caution if you have a history of urinary retention, closed-angle glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, or are taking anticholinergics (used to manage brain, bladder, and digestive disorders) such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Oxitrole (oxybutynin).
Cyclobenzaprine should not be used if you have a history of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) or certain heart conditions, such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or congestive heart failure (a syndrome that causes reduced blood flow to the body).
Prevention of side effects
It is important to monitor the potential side effects of tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine clearly. Side effects are also an important factor to consider when deciding which medication is best for you.
To lower your risk of experiencing side effects associated with using tizanidine or cyclobenzaprine, consider doing the following:
- Start with the lowest tolerated dose of the drug and adjust your dose as needed in consultation with your doctor.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
- For example, follow the dosing instructions, such as taking it with or without food as directed.
- Do not stop taking your medication suddenly.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking other medications to avoid drug interactions.
- Do not use this medication with alcohol or other depressants.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have about side effects, and seek his or her advice before stopping medication.
Tizanidine vs. Cyclobenzaprine: Differences and Similarities
Here are the key similarities and differences between tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine:
summary
Muscle relaxants are prescription medications that are often used to treat muscle spasms, tension, and other discomforts associated with muscle and skeletal conditions. Tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine are two effective and commonly used muscle relaxants. They work differently, but they also have some similarities.
These drugs have similar side effects and interact with a variety of medications. There are no clinical studies that suggest one drug is better than the other. The choice of muscle relaxant should be based on individual drug characteristics and the specific situation.