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Flexeril vs Soma
Introduction
For patients with muscle spasms, certain drugs can help to relax muscles and reduce discomfort. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Soma (carisoprodol) are two such medications that are commonly prescribed for this purpose. Both belong to a class of drugs known as muscle relaxants, which work by blocking nerve impulses or pain sensations sent to the brain.
Flexeril acts primarily on the central nervous system, altering neurotransmissions within the brainstem and spinal cord leading to reduced muscle tension without directly acting upon skeletal muscle fibers. On the other hand, Soma also works centrally but metabolizes into meprobamate, a sedative-hypnotic drug that adds anxiolytic effects alongside its muscle-relaxing properties.
However, these medications should not be taken lightly due to their potential side effects including drowsiness and risk of dependency with long-term use; therefore they should only be used under proper medical supervision.
Flexeril vs Soma Side By Side
| Attribute | Flexeril | Soma |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Flexeril | Soma |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken with or have recently been taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. | Should not be taken with or have recently been taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. |
| Cost | For generic cyclobenzaprine, costs generally start at around $0.12/day to $0.50/day based on typical doses. | For generic carisoprodol, approximate costs run from about $0.60/day for dosages around 250mg/day to between $1.50 and $2/day for common dosages like 500 to 750 mg per day. |
| Generic Name | Cyclobenzaprine | Carisoprodol |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, balance problems, severe drowsiness, fast heart rate, unusual behavior or hallucinations. | Signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Symptoms indicating a serious skin reaction: fever with a sore throat and headache followed by peeling and blistering skin rash. Experiencing seizures, unusual thoughts or behavior, confusion or agitation, vision problems, rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat, feeling light-headed. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | MAO inhibitors | MAO inhibitors |
| Typical Dose | Oral dosages range from 5–10 mg three times a day. The maximum dosage should not exceed 30 mg/day. | The treatment usually starts at a dosage of 250–350 mg taken three times daily and at bedtime. The maximum recommended daily dose is 1400 mg. |
What is Flexeril?
Cyclobenzaprine (the generic name for Flexeril) was a significant development in the class of muscle relaxants and is used to relieve skeletal muscle spasms and related pain in acute musculoskeletal conditions. Cyclobenzaprine was first approved by the FDA in 1977. It works by blocking nerve impulses that you might otherwise sense as pain and is often prescribed alongside physical therapy and rest to treat muscular conditions. On the other hand, Carisoprodol (Soma) is another type of muscle relaxant also designed to ease painful muscles and discomfort caused from strains, sprains, or other injuries. However, it differs from Cyclobenzaprine as it may act more directly on central nervous system rather than at the site of spasm; this can result in a higher risk for dependency or side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness when compared with Flexeril.
What conditions is Flexeril approved to treat?
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is approved for the treatment of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions:
- Short-term relief of muscle spasms
- Aid in physical therapy and rest treatments
- Treatment should not exceed two to three weeks
On the other hand, Soma (carisoprodol) also treats similar conditions but has a different mechanism action:
- Short-term relief of discomfort related to acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions
- It's used together with rest and physical therapy
- Its therapeutic effect appears by 30 minutes after oral administration.
How does Flexeril help with these illnesses?
Flexeril, also known as cyclobenzaprine, helps to manage muscle spasms by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. It accomplishes this by acting on the central nervous system and effectively calming down involuntary muscle movement. Involuntary muscle movements or spasms can be caused by numerous conditions including musculoskeletal conditions like sprains, strains, or other injuries.
On the other hand, Soma is a brand name for carisoprodol which also works in a similar way. It acts on the central nervous system and inhibits neuronal communication within the reticular formation and spinal cord resulting in sedation and alteration of pain perception.
Both Flexeril and Soma play crucial roles in providing relief from discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions. However, it's important to note that these medications are typically part of an overall treatment plan that may also include rest or physical therapy.
What is Soma?
Soma, also known by its generic name carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxant that blocks pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. Similar to Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Soma aids in relieving discomfort resulting from acute musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. However, it distinguishes itself through its unique mechanism of action as well as side effects profile.
Unlike Flexeril which primarily targets muscle tissue directly, Soma alters interneuronal activity in the spinal cord and descending reticular formation in the brain to elicit its relaxing effect on muscles. It was first approved by FDA back in 1959 and has been used widely since then for short-term treatment of acute painful muscle skeletal conditions.
Though effective, using Soma can come with some potential side-effects such as sedation - similar to SSRIs like Prozac. This does not generally occur with Flexeril which only causes mild drowsiness at most. Furthermore, while weight gain and sexual dysfunction are typical side effects associated with Prozac-like drugs (SSRIs), they are uncommonly linked with carisoprodol use.
What conditions is Soma approved to treat?
Soma, also known as carisoprodol, is FDA-approved for the treatment of:
- Short-term relief of acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions
- Discomfort associated with certain muscle injuries and spasms.
It's important to note that Soma is usually used in combination with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments. It works by helping to relax the muscles.
How does Soma help with these illnesses?
Carisoprodol, more commonly known as Soma, is a muscle relaxant that works by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. It is typically used short-term to treat muscle spasms and discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Its action within the central nervous system can help to decrease feelings of tension or strain in muscles. Unlike Flexeril which primarily targets skeletal muscles directly, Soma acts on the central nervous system. This difference means that while both medications are effective at reducing muscle pain and discomfort, some patients may find better success with one over another depending upon their individual medical circumstances. Like all medications though, it's important for patients considering Soma to discuss potential side effects such as drowsiness or dependence with their healthcare provider.
How effective are both Flexeril and Soma?
Both cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and carisoprodol (Soma) are widely-used muscle relaxants, initially approved by the FDA in 1977 and 1959 respectively. They act via different mechanisms, with Flexeril acting centrally to reduce motor activity of tonic somatic origins influencing both alpha and gamma motor neurons, while Soma interrupts neuronal communication within the reticular formation and spinal cord resulting in sedation and alteration in pain perception.
The efficacy of Flexeril was directly studied against placebo in a double-blind clinical trial conducted over multiple centers; this study showed that patients receiving Flexeril had statistically significant greater improvement compared to those receiving placebo on all three primary endpoints at day eight: patient-rated relief from local pain due to muscle spasm, patient-rated global assessment of medication performance, and physician-rated global assessment of medication performance.
A systematic review published in 2003 highlighted cyclobenzaprine's effectiveness for musculoskeletal conditions when used adjunctively with rest or physical therapy. It reported that cyclobenzaprine significantly improved sleep quality as well as reduced painful muscular spasms. The optimal dosage is thought to be about 15-30 mg/day divided into two or three doses.
Meta-analyses have shown Soma to be effective for short-term treatment of acute musculoskeletal discomfort but its use beyond two weeks has not been substantiated by substantial evidence. Further concerns include potential dependency issues related to its metabolite meprobamate which has anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines. Nonetheless, Soma may still hold value for patients who do not respond well or can't tolerate other first-line treatments like NSAIDs due its unique mechanism of action.
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At what dose is Flexeril typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Flexeril range from 5–10 mg three times a day. However, studies indicate that 5 mg three times a day is typically sufficient for most patients in treating muscle spasms and musculoskeletal conditions. If tolerated well, the dosage may be increased after several weeks if there's no adequate response to therapy. The maximum dosage should not exceed 30 mg/day in any case. Conversely, Soma is usually started at a dose of 250-350 mg taken three times daily and at bedtime, but this can also be adjusted based on patient response and tolerance. It's important to note that both medications should only be used short term (for up to two or three weeks).
At what dose is Soma typically prescribed?
The treatment with Soma usually starts at a dosage of 250–350 mg taken three times daily and at bedtime. This dose can be maintained for up to two to three weeks as needed. The medication is typically divided into multiple doses throughout the day, spaced about 8 hours apart, similar to other muscle relaxants. It is important not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dose of 1400 mg (350 mg per dose). If there's no response or relief from pain after a few weeks, your doctor may re-evaluate your condition and consider alternative treatments. As always, follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking any new medication.
What are the most common side effects for Flexeril?
Side effects of Flexeril and Soma can vary, but some common ones include:
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Fatigue, general weakness or lack of energy
- Dizziness, feeling unsteady or losing balance
- Nervousness
- Confusion or forgetfulness
- Upset stomach, including nausea and constipation
-Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) -Tremors or shaking
Less frequently, these medications may cause more severe side effects such as difficulty urinating; skin rash; irregular heartbeats; swelling of the face, tongue or throat. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking either medication it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Flexeril?
Although Flexeril and Soma are both muscle relaxants used to treat muscle spasms, they can have different side effects. Here's what you should watch out for when taking Flexeril:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Balance problems
- Severe drowsiness
- Fast heart rate Unusual behavior or hallucinations.
With Soma you should be alert for:
-Severe allergic reactions involving itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness and trouble breathing. -Unusual tiredness, -Signs of kidney issues such as change in the amount of urine, -Seizures, -Mental/mood changes like confusion or agitation
If any signs manifest after consuming either drug, seek immediate medical attention.
What are the most common side effects for Soma?
Soma, also known as carisoprodol, can have a broad range of side effects including:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Elevated heart rate
- Dry mouth and throat discomfort
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Irritability or agitation
- Skin rash These are not all the possible side effects of Soma. As always, it's important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting new medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Soma?
While Soma is generally considered safe for most patients, it can produce certain severe side effects in rare circumstances. If you observe the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Symptoms indicating a serious skin reaction: fever with a sore throat and headache followed by peeling and blistering skin rash
- Experiencing seizures (convulsions)
- Unusual thoughts or behavior, confusion or agitation
- Vision problems including blurred vision or seeing things that are not there
- Rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling light-headed (like you might pass out)
In addition to these physical reactions, some psychological effects may also occur. These include feeling extremely happy or irritable beyond what's normal for you - talking more than usual and finding it hard to sleep due to racing thoughts could be signs of this. If any of these side effects persist after taking Soma, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
Contraindications for Flexeril and Soma?
Both Flexeril and Soma, along with most other muscle relaxant medications, may worsen symptoms in people with certain medical conditions. If you notice your symptoms worsening or an increase in suicidal ideation, thoughts, or behavior when using these drugs, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Flexeril nor Soma should be taken if you are taking or have recently been taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Always tell your physician which medications you are currently on; MAOIs will require a period of about two weeks to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with Flexeril and Soma. Furthermore, both of these muscle relaxants can cause dependency if used for prolonged periods or abused recreationally. Therefore they need to be monitored carefully under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
How much do Flexeril and Soma cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 60 tablets of Soma (250 mg) averages around $200, which works out to approximately $6.70/day, depending on your dose.
- The price of 30 tablets of Flexeril (10 mg) is about $270, working out to approximately $9/day.
This means if you are in the higher dosage range for Soma (i.e., 750 mg or more per day), then brand-name Flexeril becomes less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which drug is right for you.
For generic versions - carisoprodol (Soma) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), costs are significantly lower:
- Carisoprodol can be purchased in packs with quantities ranging from 30 up to several hundred tablets, with approximate costs running from as low as about $0.60/day for dosages around 250mg/day or between $1.50 and $2/day if taking common dosages like 500 to 750 mg per day.
- Cyclobenzaprine's possible quantities run similar ranges with prices generally starting at around just over a dime ($0.12)/day when buying larger quantities upfront and going up at most to roughly half a dollar ($0.50)/day based off typical doses.
Popularity of Flexeril and Soma
Cyclobenzaprine, commercially known as Flexeril, was prescribed to approximately 16.2 million people in the United States in 2020. It accounted for a significant portion of muscle relaxant prescriptions and is commonly used to treat muscle spasms associated with acute musculoskeletal conditions. Cyclobenzaprine's use has been stable over the last decade and it continues to be a preferred choice due its effectiveness and tolerability.
On the other hand, Carisoprodol, also known as Soma, was prescribed to roughly 3.2 million people in the USA during the same year. Accounting for fewer overall muscle relaxant prescriptions than cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol remains an option particularly for patients who do not respond well or have contraindications to other treatments. However, its usage has seen a decline over recent years due to concerns about potential dependency issues related with long-term use.
Conclusion
Both Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Soma (carisoprodol) have well-established use in patients with muscle spasms, supported by numerous clinical trials demonstrating their higher efficacy than placebo treatments. These drugs are sometimes combined; however, this requires meticulous supervision from a healthcare provider due to potential interactions. They operate via distinct mechanisms of action: Flexeril acts primarily on the central nervous system to provide skeletal muscle relaxation, while Soma interrupts neuronal communication within the reticular formation and spinal cord.
Flexeril is typically regarded as the first-line treatment option for acute musculoskeletal conditions. On the other hand, doctors generally consider prescribing Soma when patients do not respond successfully to first-tier muscle relaxants or need short-term relief from discomfort associated with acute painful musculoskeletal conditions.
Both medications are accessible in generic forms, providing significant cost savings for those paying out-of-pocket expenses. The effects may not be immediate upon starting either drug - an adjustment period might be necessary.
The side effect profile is fairly similar between these two medications; they're both generally tolerated well but can induce drowsiness and dry mouth among others. With both drugs, it's crucial that patients closely monitor their reactions when beginning therapy and immediately seek medical attention if adverse effects occur such as extreme weakness or lightheadedness.
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Refrences
- LITTRELL, R. A., HAYES, L. R., & STILLNER, V. (1993, July). Carisoprodol (Soma): A New and Cautious Perspective on an Old Agent. Southern Medical Journal. Southern Medical Association.http://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-199307000-00006
- Li, Y., Delcher, C., Reisfield, G. M., Wei, Y.-J., Brown, J. D., & Winterstein, A. G. (2021, March 4). Utilization Patterns of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants Among Commercially Insured Adults in the United States from 2006 to 2018. Pain Medicine. Oxford University Press (OUP).http://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnab088
- Singh, K., Senatorov, I. S., Cheshmehkani, A., Karmokar, P. F., & Moniri, N. H. (2022, January 6). The Skeletal Muscle Relaxer Cyclobenzaprine Is a Potent Non-Competitive Antagonist of Histamine H1 Receptors. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. American Society for Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET).http://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.121.000998
- Childers, M. K., Borenstein, D., Brown, R. L., Gershon, S., Hale, M. E., Petri, M., … Harrison, D. D. (2005, August 23). Low-dose cyclobenzaprine versus combination therapy with ibuprofen for acute neck or back pain with muscle spasm: a randomized trial. Current Medical Research and Opinion. Informa Healthcare.http://doi.org/10.1185/030079905x61938
- Zacny, J. P., Paice, J. A., & Coalson, D. W. (2011, November). Characterizing the subjective and psychomotor effects of carisoprodol in healthy volunteers. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. Elsevier BV.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2011.08.011