Baclofen vs Flexeril

A Comparison Between Flexeril and Baclofen and Benefits

If you are having muscle spasms, your doctor may prescribe one of two drugs to treat them: cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) or Baclofen. These two drugs treat different types of muscle spasms caused by different underlying conditions. Both medications can relieve pain symptoms associated with muscle spasms. They also have differing side effects and different prescription costs. Here is a side by side comparison of both Flexeril and Baclofen so you will feel more informed when receiving a prescription.

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant. The way that Flexeril works is that it stops your brain from perceiving pain by blocking the nerve impulses that your brain would interpret as hurtful. Flexeril works best when combined with relaxation and physical therapy, and is used to treat specific injuries and pain, versus a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis. So if you severely hurt your arm or leg and are experiencing muscle spasms, your doctor may prescribe Flexeril to treat the pain. Flexeril has long lasting effects, relieves pain without impairing muscle function, and is used for short term pain relief from injuries. Flexeril also works well for back pain.

Baclofen is both a muscle relaxant and an anti spasmodic medication. Unlike Flexeril which works for specific injuries, Baclofen works better for chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, a spinal cord injury, or a spinal cord disease. It is always important to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking so they can be aware of side effects and drug interactions. Baclofen is particularly effective in relieving pain from flexor spasms (involuntary muscle spasms from the ankle, knee, or hip), as well as contractions, and muscle rigidity resulting from flexor spasms. It may also be used off label to treat conditions like Tourette’s Syndrome and hiccups.  

Side Effects For Flexeril and Baclofen

Muscle relaxants like Flexeril and Baclofen can cause side effects that impair the way you think or react to situations. A feeling of being slowed down can be magnified if you take the medication with alcohol or any medication that also has these effects like anti depressants, sleeping pills, narcotic pills, prescription cough medication, other muscle relaxers, anti anxiety medication, or seizure medication. In some cases, this side effect could be so pronounced that you could die. So, if you are prescribed either Flexeril or Baclofen, try to avoid alcohol and narcotics, and always talk to your doctor about what other medications you may be taking. For both medications, do not take them if you are allergic to any of their ingredients.

Side effects for Flexeril can include pounding, quick, or uneven heartbeats, chest pain, nausea, sweating, pain in extremities, numbness or weakness specifically one one side of your body, headache, confusion, problems with speech, vision or balance, lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, lack of coordination, stomach pain, nausea, jaundice, dark urine, clay colored stool, seizures, hallucinations, easy bruising, dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, stomach pain, digestive issues, and loss of appetite.

Side effects for Baclofen can include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion, headache, insomnia, nausea, constipation, and frequent urination.

Drug Safety: Drug Interactions for Baclofen and Flexeril

Flexeril’s drug interactions can include atropine, benztropine, dimenhydrinate, methscopolamine, scopolamine, bronchodilators, glycopyrrolate, guanethidine, mepenzolate, tramadol, bladder medications, and irritable bowel medications. Additionally, do not take Flexeril if you have used a MAO inhibitor such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine, or selegiline within the past two weeks. The drug interactions between these medications can be life threatening. Additionally, do not use Flexeril if you have had a heart attack, a heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure, heart block, or an overactive thyroid.

Baclofen’s drug interactions can include prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Since this is such a broad range of potential interacting substances, inform your doctor of medications, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking.  You should not use Baclofen if you have kidney disease, epilepsy, a history of blood clots or stroke, or are a narcotics user.

Drug Safety: Breastfeeding and Pregnancy While Taking Baclofen and Flexeril

Though Flexeril has been deemed unharmful to an unborn baby, further research needs to be done as to whether Flexeril can pass through breast milk and harm a newborn. Baclofen should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause birth defects. It is also unclear if Baclofen can pass through breast milk, so it is not recommended that you take either of these medications.

What To Do If You’re Thinking of Switching Or Stopping Flexeril or Baclofen

It is best to wean yourself off of Flexeril. If you stop taking it abruptly, you could experience headaches, sickness, and exhaustion. It is also better to gradually decrease your Baclofen dosage. Withdrawing from Baclofen too quickly can cause hallucinations, among other unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In any case, if you are considering stopping either medication, consult with your doctor who will provide best practices for how to stop taking them safely and effectively.

Discounts and Coupons

Unfortunately, there are no available manufacturer’s coupons for Baclofen or Flexeril at this time. A manufacturer’s coupon comes from the drug company that makes Baclofen or Flexeril. However, coupons can be found at prescription drug websites like Helprx.info. You can easily get free coupons texted or emailed to you without having to sign up for any website accounts or mailing lists. Coupons on HelpRX can give you between 60-75% off on your drug purchases, potentially saving you a lot of money.