Question 1

is zanaflex (tizanidine) stronger than flexeril?

Accepted Answer

Equivalent: they are both muscle relaxants of equivalent efficacy and strength.

Question 2

how is zanaflex (tizanidine) different than flexeril?

Accepted Answer

Several ways: Both medications are muscle relaxants. Zanaflex is the brand name for tizanidine. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine hcl) is the brand name for cyclobenzaprine. Neither of these medications truly relaxes the muscle. They work on the central nervous system (brain and/or spinal cord) to create 'relaxation' of the muscle. As a result , the common side effect of drowsiness can be problematic.

Question 3

i take zanaflex (tizanidine)  or flexeril (have both) and just started necon 10/11. i read there could be interactions with zanaflex (tizanidine). do i need to be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Yes- Sedation/dizzy: If you use Zanaflex (tizanidine) chronically,   know that the concentration of Zanaflex is increased when used with oral contraceptive and may result in increased sedation, fatigue/ low blood pressure (hypotensive issues- dizziness, fainting). You may want to use Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine hcl) instead but also watch out for drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness. Avoid alcohol and use caution when driving while on these drugs.

Question 4

is there any difference between flexeril and zanaflex (tizanidine) for low back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes,: Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine hcl) differs from the other centrally acting agents because it is structurally and pharmacologically related to amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant. . Tizanidine is the drug of choice for muscle spasm.  Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.

Question 5

how long should i wait between zanaflex (tizanidine) and flexeril?  i have started taking zanaflex (tizanidine) during the day but it doesn't cut it for my leg cramps at night.

Accepted Answer

8 hours: You should wait 8 hours after taking a zanaflex (tizanidine) before you take a flexeril. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and taking a multivitamin/multimineral. Dehydration and vitamin/mineral deficiencies can contribute to muscle cramping. Stretching daily also helps muscles not to cramp.

Question 6

is soma or zanaflex (tizanidine) more effective than flexeril? for torticollus and back pain. i've had all kinds of labs and scans, im merely curious

Accepted Answer

May be : Zanaflex (tizanidine) may be more effective or equal to flexeril. Recommend avoiding soma.

Question 7

my husband has lumbar disc disease and has had fusions at l4-l5, l5-l6. he bent down to pickup something and now he is in pain with spasms. should he take his zanaflex (tizanidine) 4mg or flexeril 10mg he has prescriptions for both?

Accepted Answer

Muscle relaxant: He can use either. I would suggest he try Zanaflex (tizanidine) first. Keep in mind both can cause some drowsiness.

Question 8

what muscle relaxant would you prescribe for chronic neck & back pain? soma, zanaflex, (tizanidine) flexeril?

Accepted Answer

None of above: Medications should not be ordered until pathology is understood.

Question 9

severe muscle cramps. feet, legs, groin, neck, shoulders, every nigh.tried flexaril, zanaflex, (tizanidine) k, even lidoderm.have sent lab test. what now?

Accepted Answer

Are you on: Any cholesterol lowering meds? That could cause this. I would also check potassium levels and magnesium deficiency. (need to check magnesium levels in the red blood cells.), there are other causes but i'd check these.

Question 10

which is stronger? 5mg flexeril (cyclobenzaprine hcl) or tramadol 50 mg

Accepted Answer

Different classes: There is no way to compare the strength of these medications- tramadol is a pain killer.  It works very differently that flexeril, (cyclobenzaprine hcl) which is a muscle relaxant.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Is zanaflex stronger than flexeril

A member asked:

Is zanaflex (tizanidine) stronger than flexeril?

A member asked:

How is zanaflex (tizanidine) different than flexeril?

A member asked:

I take zanaflex (tizanidine) or flexeril (have both) and just started necon 10/11. i read there could be interactions with zanaflex (tizanidine). do i need to be concerned?

A member asked:

Is there any difference between flexeril and zanaflex (tizanidine) for low back pain?

A member asked:

How long should i wait between zanaflex (tizanidine) and flexeril? i have started taking zanaflex (tizanidine) during the day but it doesn't cut it for my leg cramps at night.

A member asked:

Is soma or zanaflex (tizanidine) more effective than flexeril? for torticollus and back pain. i've had all kinds of labs and scans, im merely curious

A member asked:

My husband has lumbar disc disease and has had fusions at l4-l5, l5-l6. he bent down to pickup something and now he is in pain with spasms. should he take his zanaflex (tizanidine) 4mg or flexeril 10mg he has prescriptions for both?

A member asked:

What muscle relaxant would you prescribe for chronic neck & back pain? soma, zanaflex, (tizanidine) flexeril?

A member asked:

Severe muscle cramps. feet, legs, groin, neck, shoulders, every nigh.tried flexaril, zanaflex, (tizanidine) k, even lidoderm.have sent lab test. what now?

A member asked:

Which is stronger? 5mg flexeril (cyclobenzaprine hcl) or tramadol 50 mg

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?