Muscle relaxants are often prescribed to treat pain caused by muscle spasms, and each medication works by a different mechanism of action.
What are the most-prescribed muscle relaxants?
Four popular muscle relaxants are Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), baclofen, Robaxin (methocarbamol), and Zanaflex (tizanidine). Flexeril (a discontinued brand name in the U.S. that is still used to refer to the drug cyclobenzaprine) works at the brainstem, just below the brain, decreasing muscle activity by acting upon motor nerves. Baclofen acts on nerves in the spinal cord and brain. Robaxin (methocarbamol) is not fully understood, but may work on the brain and/or spinal cord. Zanaflex (tizanidine) blocks pain sensations at the nerves.
What are typical doses for muscle relaxants?
Flexeril: 15mg or 30mg by oral capsule per day
Baclofen: 60mg to 120mg per day, orally, divided into 3 doses
Robaxin: 750mg by mouth every 4 hours
Zanaflex: 2mg by mouth every 6 to 8 hours
What are the common side effects of these drugs?
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
- Dry mouth and throat
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Poor appetite
- Abdominal pain
Baclofen
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Insomnia
Robaxin (methocarbamol)
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Flushing
Zanaflex (tizanidine)
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Tiredness
How much do these medications cost?
Prices for Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) start around $4 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 10 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you, and to get a coupon, visit the GoodRX cyclobenzaprine page.
Prices for Baclofen start around $13 for 60 tablets, strength 10 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you, and to get a coupon, visit the GoodRX baclofen page.
Prices for Robaxin (methocarbamol) start around $8 for a bottle of 60 tablets, strength 500 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you, and to obtain a coupon, visit the GoodRX methocarbamol page.
Prices for Zanaflex (tizanidine) start under $5 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 4 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you, and to obtain a coupon, visit the GoodRX generic Zanaflex page.
How can I get a prescription for one of these muscle relaxants?
All the muscle relaxants listed above are prescription medications, which need approval of a physician or other licensed prescriber. QuickMD can prescribe most muscle relaxants online via telemedicine, and the prescription is sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice. To talk with a doctor and see if a muscle relaxant is a good solution for you, get in touch with QuickMD today.