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Key takeaways
Cyclobenzaprine is typically used for short-term muscle spasms, while baclofen treats chronic spasticity.
Both drugs are muscle relaxants but differ in dosing, costs, and available forms like tablets or injections.
Side effects like drowsiness and dizziness are common, with cyclobenzaprine carrying additional risks for serotonin syndrome.
Consult a healthcare provider to choose the safest and most effective option for your medical condition.
Muscle spasms and stiffness can be painful and uncomfortable, with healthcare providers often prescribing medications like cyclobenzaprine or baclofen to help. These drugs are muscle relaxants used to relieve spasms from musculoskeletal conditions, nerve problems, or spinal cord injuries. They help relax muscles and reduce pain, providing people with much-needed relief.
While cyclobenzaprine and baclofen both belong to the same drug class, they do have some key differences. For example, they may differ in their approved uses, dosages, and dosage forms. Therefore, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Cyclobenzaprine vs. baclofen: Key differences
Cyclobenzaprine and baclofen are skeletal muscle relaxants believed to work through the central nervous system (CNS). They act on the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain signals sent to the muscles. This mechanism of action may help decrease the nerve signals that cause muscle stiffness and spasms.
However, cyclobenzaprine and baclofen are different drugs known under different brand names. Cyclobenzaprine is known by the brand names Amrix, Flexeril, and Fexmid. In contrast, baclofen is known by the brand names Fleqsuvy, Lioresal, Lyvispah, Gablofen, Ozobax, and Kemstro.
Cyclobenzaprine is generally taken in tablet form with both immediate and extended-release options. Baclofen is available as an oral tablet, oral liquid, and intrathecal injection (direct administration into the spinal cord).
The dosing for each medication varies depending on the condition being treated and how the person responds to treatment. Both drugs are typically taken multiple times per day. However, some people may prefer the extended-release version of cyclobenzaprine, which can be taken once daily.
| Cyclobenzaprine | Baclofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Muscle relaxant | Muscle relaxant |
| Brand/generic status | Brand and generic available | Brand and generic available |
| What is the brand name? | Amrix, Flexeril (discontinued), Fexmid (discontinued) | Fleqsuvy, Lioresal, Lyvispah, Gablofen, Ozobax, Kemstro (discontinued) |
| What form(s) does the drug come in? | Tablet, extended-release capsule | Tablet, oral suspension, granules, intrathecal injection |
| What is the standard dosage? | Immediate-release tablets: 5 mg three times daily. Dose may be increased to 10 mg three times daily.
Extended-release capsules: 15 mg once daily. Dose may be increased to 30 mg once daily. | Oral dosage forms: Started at a low dosage, then increased to up to 20 mg four times daily (80 mg daily).
Injectable dosage form: Started at 50 mcg (1 mL), then increased to 75 mcg (1.5 mL) after 24 hours if needed, and further increased to 100 mcg (2 mL) after another 24 hours if necessary. |
| How long is the typical treatment? | Short-term, no longer than 3 weeks | Short-term or long-term |
| Who typically uses the medication? | Adults and children 15 years and older | Adults and children 12 years and older (oral forms)
Adults and children 4 years and older (intrathecal injection) |
Cyclobenzaprine vs. baclofen: Conditions treated
Cyclobenzaprine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat muscle spasms caused by acute musculoskeletal conditions like neck or lower back pain. It’s used alongside rest and physical therapy. Cyclobenzaprine may sometimes be used off-label to treat fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Baclofen is approved to manage muscle spasticity due to conditions like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Baclofen helps reduce the stiffness and tightness in muscles, making it easier to move. Like cyclobenzaprine, it should also be used alongside rest and physical therapy. Off-label uses primarily include the treatment of cerebral palsy, myofascial pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), among others.
| Condition | Cyclobenzaprine | Baclofen |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions | Yes | No |
| Muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord conditions | No | Yes |
| Cerebral palsy | No | Off-label |
| Fibromyalgia | Off-label | Off-label |
| Myofascial pain | Off-label | Off-label |
| PTSD | Off-label | Off-label |
| GERD | No | Off-label |
| Intractable hiccups | No | Off-label |
Is cyclobenzaprine better than baclofen?
Both muscle relaxers show significant improvement over placebo for muscle spasms but serve different purposes. In general, cyclobenzaprine focuses on short-term muscle pain relief, while baclofen helps manage chronic pain or long-term spasticity.
One meta-analysis found that cyclobenzaprine is nearly five times more effective than a placebo for improving back pain symptoms. The greatest benefit is seen in the first four days of treatment.
A different study examined how well baclofen works for treating muscle spasms after a spinal cord injury. Researchers found that baclofen, especially when given directly into the spine, improved muscle spasms, with significant improvements on scales used to measure muscle tone and spasticity.
The best treatment option will depend on the condition being treated. In some cases, these medications may be combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for improved pain relief. Always consult a healthcare provider to help determine the best option.
Cyclobenzaprine vs. baclofen: Insurance coverage and cost comparison
Cyclobenzaprine and baclofen are available in both brand-name and generic forms. Generally, generic drugs like these are covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. However, coverage might vary depending on the insurance provider and plan details. Factors like the chosen pharmacy and quantity prescribed can also affect how much patients pay out-of-pocket.
Retail costs for these medications vary depending on quantity and pharmacy location. Each medication’s costs per tablet are relatively similar, but prices can be higher if a larger supply or higher strength is needed. The average retail cost of 30, 10 mg tablets of cyclobenzaprine is around $54, while the average retail cost of 30, 10 mg tablets of baclofen is around $50.
Patients can save on prescription drugs by using SingleCare coupons. These coupons may offer helpful discounts on both cyclobenzaprine and baclofen.
| Cyclobenzaprine | Baclofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Typically covered by insurance? | Yes | Yes |
| Typically covered by Medicare Part D? | Yes | Yes |
| Quantity | 90, 10 mg tablets | 120, 20 mg tablets |
| SingleCare cost | $8 | $17 |
Cyclobenzaprine vs. baclofen: Side effects
Both cyclobenzaprine and baclofen are CNS depressants with similar side effects. The most common side effects include drowsiness or sedation, dizziness, and fatigue. Gastrointestinal side effects like constipation and indigestion are also possible. These side effects tend to be mild, but speaking with a healthcare provider is important if they become bothersome.
Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions and withdrawal symptoms (after abruptly stopping either drug). In addition, cyclobenzaprine carries a risk of serotonin syndrome, which may lead to confusion, high fever, and seizures.
| Cyclobenzaprine | Baclofen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side effect | Applicable? | Frequency | Applicable? | Frequency |
| Drowsiness | Yes | 29% | Yes | 63% |
| Dizziness | Yes | 1–3% | Yes | 5–15% |
| Dry mouth | Yes | 21% | Yes | N/A |
| Weakness | Yes | <1% | Yes | 5–15% |
| Fatigue | Yes | 6% | Yes | 2–4% |
| Headache | Yes | 5% | Yes | 4–8% |
| Constipation | Yes | 1–3% | Yes | 2–6% |
| Nausea | Yes | 1–3% | Yes | 4–12% |
This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.
Source: DailyMed (Cyclobenzaprine), DailyMed (Baclofen)
Cyclobenzaprine vs. baclofen: Drug interactions
Both cyclobenzaprine and baclofen can cause drowsiness and sedation. These effects may be amplified when combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol, barbiturates, opioid pain relievers, and benzodiazepines.
Cyclobenzaprine can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which may be further increased when it’s combined with serotonergic drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Baclofen doesn’t carry a risk of serotonin syndrome but may interact with these medications by increasing their potential CNS depressant effects.
Cyclobenzaprine can have life-threatening interactions with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. These drugs should not be taken together or within 14 days of each other. Doing so may lead to severe seizures or even death.
| Drug | Drug class | Cyclobenzaprine | Baclofen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prozac (fluoxetine)
Zoloft (sertraline) Paxil (paroxetine) Lexapro (escitalopram) | SSRIs | Yes | Yes |
| Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
Cymbalta (duloxetine) Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) | SNRIs | Yes | Yes |
| Elavil (amitriptyline)
Tofranil (imipramine) Pamelor (nortriptyline) Sinequan (doxepin) | TCAs | Yes | Yes |
| Nardil (phenelzine)
Parnate (tranylcypromine) Marplan (isocarboxazid) Emsam (selegiline) | MAOIs | Yes | Yes |
| Luminal (phenobarbital)
Nembutal (pentobarbital) Seconal (secobarbital) Amytal (amobarbital) | Barbiturates | Yes | Yes |
| OxyContin (oxycodone)
Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) Morphine Sulfate ER (morphine) | Opioids | Yes | Yes |
| Xanax (alprazolam)
Valium (diazepam) Ativan (lorazepam) Klonopin (clonazepam) | Benzodiazepines | Yes | Yes |
| Alcohol | Alcohol | Yes | Yes |
Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.
Baclofen vs. cyclobenzaprine: Drug warnings
As baclofen and cyclobenzaprine can cause drowsiness or sedation, activities like driving or operating machinery may be risky while taking these drugs. Combining these medications with alcohol or other sedatives can worsen these effects and should be avoided.
In addition, stopping cyclobenzaprine or baclofen suddenly may lead to withdrawal symptoms like nausea and headache, as well as potentially severe reactions like seizures and hallucinations. Gradually reducing the dosage is recommended when discontinuing.
Warnings for cyclobenzaprine
- Serotonin syndrome: When combined with certain drugs like antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors), cyclobenzaprine can trigger serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition with symptoms like confusion, rapid heart rate, and tremors.
- Heart and CNS risks: Cyclobenzaprine’s chemical similarity to tricyclic antidepressants means it can affect heart rhythm and increase the risk of serious CNS side effects. It should be avoided in people with a history of arrhythmias, heart block, or congestive heart failure.
- Older adults or liver problems: Cyclobenzaprine is not recommended for older adults or those with liver impairment, as it stays in the body longer and increases the risk of side effects.
- Atropine-like effects: Those with glaucoma, urinary retention, or other conditions that worsen with anticholinergic effects should use cyclobenzaprine with caution.
Warnings for baclofen
- Neonatal withdrawal: Babies born to mothers who use baclofen during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms, including tremors and seizures.
- Caution in certain conditions: Baclofen should be used cautiously in individuals with epilepsy, psychotic disorders, or a history of stroke, as it may worsen these conditions. It may also worsen autonomic dysreflexia in those with a history of this condition.
- Potential for ovarian cysts: Long-term use of baclofen has been linked to ovarian cysts, although these often resolve without stopping the medication.
Always follow the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare provider if any unusual symptoms occur.
Bottom line
Cyclobenzaprine and baclofen are muscle relaxants often prescribed for musculoskeletal pain, neck pain, sprains, and other related conditions or injuries. While both help relieve muscle spasms, cyclobenzaprine is generally for short-term use in acute cases, whereas baclofen is more appropriate for chronic spasms from medical conditions like multiple sclerosis. Both drugs come with various risks, side effects, and costs. Follow a healthcare provider’s medical advice when choosing the right option for your needs.
- Snapshot: What are intrathecal injections?, National Ataxia Foundation
- Amrix highlights of prescribing information, Food and Drug Administration (2024)
- Efficacy and safety of sublingual cyclobenzaprine for the treatment of fibromyalgia: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Arthritis Care & Research (2023)
- Cyclobenzaprine and back pain: A meta-analysis, Archives of Internal Medicine (2001)
- Intrathecal and oral baclofen use in adults with spinal cord injury: A systematic review of efficacy in spasticity reduction, functional changes, dosing, and adverse events, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2023)
- Cyclobenzaprine, Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. (2025)
- Baclofen, DailyMed (2007)
- Central nervous system depressant, National Cancer Institute
- Fleqsuvy highlights of prescribing information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2022)