Skelaxin vs. Soma

See how Skelaxin and Soma compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Skelaxin and Soma are both prescription muscle relaxants for acute musculoskeletal pain, but they differ sharply in dosing schedule, controlled-substance status, and duration of use.

  • Skelaxin is not a controlled substance and has no FDA-defined time limit, while Soma is a Schedule IV drug restricted to 2 to 3 weeks of use.

  • Generic carisoprodol typically costs less per month than Skelaxin, though Soma carries added risks of dependence and misuse.

Skelaxin vs. Soma Drug Summary

Skelaxin

Skelaxin (metaxalone) is a skeletal muscle relaxant used alongside rest and physical therapy for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults and teens 13 and older. It is taken orally, typically 800 mg three to four times a day, and absorption increases significantly when taken with a high-fat meal.

Soma

Soma (carisoprodol) is a skeletal muscle relaxant used short-term for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults. It is taken orally at 250 mg to 350 mg three times a day plus a bedtime dose, and FDA guidance limits use to 2 to 3 weeks.

Skelaxin vs. Soma Side Effects

Skelaxin

Most common
Drowsiness (not specified (%))
Dizziness (not specified (%))
Headache (not specified (%))
Nervousness/irritability (not specified (%))

Soma

Most common
Drowsiness (up to 17%)
Dizziness (>2%)
Headache (>2%)
Tachycardia (post-marketing, rate not specified)

Skelaxin vs. Soma Dosage

Skelaxin

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 800 mg At the start
Maximum dose 800 mg Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Soma

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 250-350 mg At the start
Maximum dose 250-350 mg Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Skelaxin vs. Soma Indications

Skelaxin

Skelaxin is FDA-approved as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for acute painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults and adolescents 13 and older. It is not approved for children 12 and under and works alongside supportive care rather than as a standalone treatment.

  • Adjunct to rest and physical therapy for acute musculoskeletal pain

  • Approved for adults and adolescents 13 and older

  • Not approved for children 12 and under

  • Absorption improves significantly with a high-fat meal

Soma

Soma is FDA-approved for relief of discomfort from acute painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults. It is not approved for pediatric use and is intended only for short courses of 2 to 3 weeks rather than ongoing treatment.

  • Relief of discomfort from acute musculoskeletal conditions

  • Approved for adults only, not pediatric use

  • Limited to 2 to 3 weeks of use

  • Not approved for chronic musculoskeletal pain

Skelaxin vs. Soma Pros and Cons

Skelaxin

Skelaxin is not a controlled substance and carries no FDA-mandated time limit, making it an option for longer courses of muscle relaxant therapy. It does require more frequent daily dosing, and its absorption is notably affected by whether it is taken with food.

Pros

  • Not a controlled substance, avoiding abuse-risk scheduling

  • No FDA-defined limit on how long it can be used

  • Approved for adolescents 13 and older, unlike Soma

  • Lower risk of dependence with extended use

Cons

  • Requires dosing three to four times daily

  • Absorption is significantly affected by food timing

  • Contraindicated in severe renal or hepatic impairment

  • Roughly $110 to $265 per month, more than Soma's price

Soma

Soma works well for short bouts of muscle spasm, but its Schedule IV status means added scrutiny around prescribing, refills, and monitoring for misuse. FDA guidance limits treatment to 2 to 3 weeks, reflecting both efficacy data and dependence risk.

Pros

  • Generic carisoprodol is widely available and low-cost

  • Simple three-times-daily plus bedtime dosing schedule

  • Long clinical track record since its 1959 approval

  • Roughly $30 to $80 per month, less than Skelaxin's price

Cons

  • Schedule IV controlled substance with misuse potential

  • FDA limits use to only 2 to 3 weeks

  • Risk of withdrawal symptoms after abrupt stopping

  • Active metabolite meprobamate adds sedative burden

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