Baclofen vs. Flexeril

Are Baclofen and Flexeril the Same Thing?

Baclofen and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are muscle relaxants used f as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Baclofen is also used to treat muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Baclofen is also injected into the spinal cord to treat severe spasticity from , spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord diseases.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Baclofen?

Common side effects of Baclofen include:

  • drowsiness,
  • weakness,
  • dizziness,
  • tiredness,
  • headache,
  • seizures,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • low blood pressure,
  • constipation,
  • confusion,
  • respiratory depression,
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia), and
  • increased urinary frequency or urinary retention.

Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen may cause seizures and hallucinations, high fever, rebound spasticity, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown and wasting).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Flexeril?

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.

What is Baclofen?

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispastic used for treating spasm of skeletal muscles, muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Baclofen is also injected into the spinal cord to treat severe spasticity, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord diseases. Baclofen is available in generic form.

What is Flexeril?

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.

What Drugs Interact With Baclofen?

No information provided.

What Drugs Interact With Flexeril?

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.

How Should Baclofen Be Taken?

The lowest dose compatible with an optimal response is recommended. If benefits are not evident after a reasonable trial period, patients should be slowly withdrawn from the drug.

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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References

RxList. Baclofen Prescribing Information.
https://www.rxlist.com/baclofen-drug.htm#description
RxList. Flexeril Prescribing Information.
https://www.rxlist.com/flexeril-drug.htm

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