Overview
If you have ever experienced muscular pain or strain after an accident or strenuous physical activity, your healthcare provider may prescribe muscle relaxants. Methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are used in the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, muscle spasms and strain, fibromyalgia, and headaches. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine and which muscle relaxant may be more effective for you to use.
What are methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine?
Methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are both muscle relaxants and antispasmodic agents (relieve cramps and spasms) used to treat muscle pain and discomfort. They are commonly used together with physical therapy and rest to treat skeletal muscle conditions.
Methocarbamol works by blocking the pain nerve impulses that are sent to the brain and has a depressive effect on the central nervous system(CNS) to relax muscles. Cyclobenzaprine works on the CNS to relieve muscle spasms and pain by reducing motor activity and muscle contraction.
What is the difference between methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine?
Despite their similarities, methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are not the same medications. Here are a few differences between the two medications:
| Category | Methocarbamol | Cyclobenzaprine |
| Indication/treatment | Methocarbamol is primarily used as a muscle relaxant to treat muscle pain caused by acute conditions. It is also used in the treatment of tetanus, lockjaw, muscular spasms, headaches, and opiate withdrawals. | Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used to control muscle spasms and pain. It relieves pain, back pain, and muscle spasms and is also used to treat sciatica, chronic myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint disorder, and migraines. |
| Dosage forms | Oral tablet (500mg, 750mg) Injectible solution (100 mg/L) | Oral tablet (5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg) Capsule, extended-release (15mg, 30 mg) |
| Recommended dose | The recommended dose is 6000mg for generic and 8000mg for severe conditions. Typically, 1500mg tablets are taken orally four times a day. | The recommended dose is 5mg or, in severe cases, 10mg three times a day |
| Half-life | 2 hours | 72 hours |
| Use | Methocarbamol can be used for both short and long-term treatments. It can be used in both adults and children but is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. | Cyclobenzaprine is not typically prescribed for more than 2-3 weeks. It is not safe for people younger than 15 years of age and should not be mixed with MAO inhibitors. |
| Side effects | Dizziness Drowsiness Headaches Nausea Constipation Lightheadedness Seizure Jaundice Pain and swelling at the injection site Allergic reaction* | Dry mouth Increased heart rate Chest pain Pain spreading from jaw to shoulder Numbness Slurred speech Balance problems Dizziness and drowsiness Nausea Upset stomach Headaches Allergic reaction* |
| Warnings | Methocarbamol can have interactions with other drugs. It should not be taken before attention-demanding tasks such as driving or operating heavy machinery. | Cyclobenzaprine can affect concentration and should not be taken before attentive tasks such as driving. It can cause serotonin syndrome, dry mouth, and eyes, and urinating problems. People with liver problems should exercise caution. |
*Both medications can cause an allergic reaction that feels like numbness of the face, throat, lips, tongue, hives, and breathing difficulties. If you are experiencing signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention, as it can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Which muscle relaxants is more effective?
Cyclobenzaprine and methocarbomol are equally effective for treating acute musculoskeletal conditions. You can start to feel the effects within 30 minutes of administering both medications.
Depending on the pain and how your body responds to drugs, one medication might be better for you than the other.
Since both medications are available only by prescription, you should discuss which will suit your needs with your healthcare provider.
When to consult a doctor?
Methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine can produce allergic reactions and cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, headache, upset stomach, fatigue, and dry mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms or do not get relief after using the medications, you should speak with a doctor.
FAQs about Methorcarbamol vs. Cyclobenzaprine
Combining methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine can increase the risk of CNS depression. While there are no drug interactions between the two, CNS depressants in high amounts can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, memory loss, hypotension, and confusion-like side effects. Always combine medications after consulting with your doctor.
Methocarbamol should not be taken by those allergic to it, pregnant women, or individuals planning to have a baby. It induces dizziness, which is why it should not be taken before driving or operating machinery. Individuals using other medications, such as opioids and sedating antihistamines, or who have kidney problems, seizures, or myasthenia gravis should use them at their doctor’s discretion.
Cyclobenzaprine can make you sleepy and drowsy. It can affect your ability to focus and concentrate. Sleeping right after taking cyclobenzaprine is more likely to happen in individuals over the age of 65.
Yes, methocarbamol is less sedating than cyclobenzaprine as its half-life is shorter. However, more evidence is needed to produce practical conclusions.
