Flexeril vs. Soma
See how Flexeril and Soma compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Flexeril and Soma are approved only for short-term relief of acute muscle spasm, not chronic pain conditions.
Flexeril is not a controlled substance, while Soma is a Schedule IV drug with real potential for misuse and dependence.
Flexeril's most common side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth, while Soma's are drowsiness and dizziness at lower rates.
Flexeril vs. Soma Drug Summary
Flexeril
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a tricyclic-related skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve muscle spasm from acute musculoskeletal injuries. It works as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy and is taken as an oral tablet, usually three times a day for no more than two to three weeks.
Soma
Soma (carisoprodol) is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve discomfort from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is taken as an oral tablet three times a day plus a bedtime dose, and is limited to short-term use of two to three weeks.
Flexeril vs. Soma Side Effects
Flexeril
Soma
Flexeril vs. Soma Dosage
Flexeril
Soma
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg three times daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg three times daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg to 350 mg TID + HS | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 250 mg to 350 mg TID + HS | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Flexeril
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg three times daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg three times daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Soma
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 250 mg to 350 mg TID + HS | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 250 mg to 350 mg TID + HS | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Flexeril vs. Soma Indications
Flexeril
Flexeril is FDA-approved as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for muscle spasm caused by acute musculoskeletal conditions like strains and sprains. It is not approved for spasticity from conditions such as cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury. Some clinicians use it off-label for fibromyalgia pain and sleep problems.
Acute muscle spasm from strains or sprains
Used alongside rest and physical therapy
Off-label: fibromyalgia pain and sleep support
Not approved for CNS-related spasticity
Short-term use only (2-3 weeks)
Soma
Soma is FDA-approved to relieve discomfort from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions such as back strain. It has not been shown effective for chronic musculoskeletal pain and is not approved for use in children. Its FDA-approved use is limited to short courses of two to three weeks.
Acute musculoskeletal discomfort
Used alongside rest and physical therapy
Not approved for chronic pain conditions
Not approved for pediatric patients
Short-term use only (2-3 weeks)
Flexeril vs. Soma Pros and Cons
Flexeril
Flexeril is not a controlled substance, so it carries less regulatory scrutiny and no federal scheduling restrictions. It does cause noticeable anticholinergic effects like dry mouth and carries specific heart-related contraindications. It has been on the market since 1977, giving prescribers decades of experience with it.
Pros
Not a controlled substance, easier to prescribe
Longer history of use, approved since 1977
Available in 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg strengths
Off-label option for fibromyalgia symptoms
Cons
Causes dry mouth in up to 27% of users
Contraindicated with MAOIs and certain heart conditions
Not effective for spasticity from CNS disorders
More sedating than some alternatives (up to 39% drowsiness)
Soma
Soma is a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its potential for misuse and dependence, which means extra prescribing precautions and monitoring. It causes less dry mouth than some alternatives, but its active metabolite meprobamate adds its own sedative and controlled-substance profile. Like Flexeril, it is intended only for short-term relief.
Pros
Lower reported rate of dry mouth than Flexeril
Dosing includes a bedtime dose for nighttime spasm relief
Simple three-times-daily plus bedtime schedule
No cardiac contraindications listed like Flexeril's
Cons
Schedule IV controlled substance with abuse potential
Risk of withdrawal symptoms after abrupt stopping
Metabolite meprobamate adds sedation and its own controlled status
Not recommended for long-term chronic pain management
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