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
Soma
Skelaxin vs. Soma Dosage
Skelaxin
Soma
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 800 mg | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 800 mg | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
| 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
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 800 mg | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 800 mg | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Soma
| 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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