Muscle relaxants are often prescribed to treat pain caused by muscle spasms. Four popular muscle relaxants are Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), baclofen, Robaxin (methocarbamol), and Zanaflex (tizanidine), each with a different mechanism of action. 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.
General doses
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
Common side effects
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
Cost
The price of Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) ranges from $4 to $14 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 10 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you, and to get a coupon, click here.
The price of baclofen ranges from $14 to $38 for 90 tablets, strength 10 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you, and to get a coupon, click here.
The price of Robaxin (methocarbamol) ranges from $5 to $15 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 750 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you, and to obtain a coupon, click here.
The price of Zanaflex (tizanidine) ranges from $5 to $17 for a bottle of 30 tablets, strength 4.0 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you, and to obtain a coupon, click here.
How to get a prescription
All the muscle relaxants listed above are prescription medications, which need approval of a physician or other licensed prescriber. Did you know? QuickMD can prescribe most muscle relaxants online via telemedicine. The prescription is sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice, or mailed to your home.