Soma Vs. Flexeril- Choose the right pain medication 07 Aug 2023 By Agnes Smith | Categories: Soma Soma vs. Flexeril is a comparative study of both muscle relaxants based on various factors, and according to our findings, Soma is the better choice than Flexeril because of its quick onset of action, price, and rating. Are you suffering from muscle discomfort and pain? You are not alone. Millions of individuals in the United States suffer from muscle tension, strain, spasms, and other muscle-related problems and often turn to medications like Carisoprodol (Soma) and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). But among the two available options that are Soma vs. Flexeril, it could be tough to decide which one out of the two is right for you. In this context, we have covered specific details about Soma vs. Flexeril so that it becomes easy for you to decide which one to opt for. So Soma vs. Flexeril which is stronger, let's find out. Soma And Flexeril: An Overview What is Soma? Carisoprodol, sold under the brand name Soma is used for musculoskeletal pain. In 1959, the FDA approved carisoprodol for medical use [1]. What is Flexeril? Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is an effective muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms. The Food and Drug Administration approved this medication in 1977. Differences And Similarities Between Soma And Flexeril Flexeril and Soma's comparison is quite interesting because both of these medicines are pretty similar. In the table below, we have compared both drugs based on various factors. Soma Flexeril Drug class Skeletal muscle relaxant Skeletal muscle relaxant Prescription status Prescription-only drug Prescription-only drug Available dosage 250 mg and 350 mg 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg. The onset of action 30 minutes 1 hour Drug form Oral pill Oral pill Generic name Carisoprodol Cyclobenzaprine Price The cost of a Soma pill is $1.34 per pill $5 per pill Ratings 9 out of 10 on the website drugs.com 5.9 out of 10 on the website drugs.com Duration of action 4-6 hours 4-6 hours Soma Versus Flexeril: Understanding The Key Differences In Their Uses Flexeril Vs. Soma for Chronic Back Pain Relief Back pain is a type of pain that is felt in the back, typically near the spinal cord. It can be classified as middle back pain, neck pain, or lower back pain based on the segment affected. When the back pain lasts for three months or more, it is termed chronic back pain. Both Soma and Flexeril are effective for treating chronic back pain but the effects of Soma last for almost seven days, whereas the effects of Flexeril last for only around four days. Therefore, Soma is superior to Flexeril in treating chronic back pain [2] [3]. Soma vs. Flexeril for Fibromyalgia Pain from Fibromyalgia can impact your quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting condition that causes tenderness and pain throughout the body as well as insomnia and fatigue [4]. Soma or Carisoprodol can help reduce pain caused by muscle spasms and pain associated with Fibromyalgia. According to a small study completed in 1989, Soma was found to be effective at improving sleep quality, reducing pain, and increasing feelings of well-being in people with fibromyalgia. In addition, it was found that Acetaminophen, Carisoprodol, and caffeine in combination were effective as a treatment for fibromyalgia [5]. On the other hand, Flexeril can improve sleep and reduce pain in cases of fibromyalgia. A study published in the year 2011 showed that Flexeril showed promise for the treatment of fibromyalgia. A total of 29 patients with fibromyalgia were given low doses of cyclobenzaprine or a placebo, and among those that were given cyclobenzaprine, sleep time increased from 5.4 hours to 6.4 hours, and pain decreased to 26% in those who took Flexeril compared to 18% in the control group. There was also a significant reduction in depression and tenderness in those who took Cyclobenzaprine [6]. Soma vs. Flexeril for Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a condition that can affect the spinal cord and brain, causing a wide range of undesirable symptoms, including vision problems, sensation or balance, and leg or arm movement. It is a chronic condition (long-term) that is occasionally mild but can sometimes cause serious disability. Some of the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis are muscle spasms, stiffness and weakness, mobility problem, numbness and tingling, fatigue, etc. Soma muscle relaxants and Flexeril are often prescribed for patients with Multiple Sclerosis that's because these muscle relaxants help with some of the common symptoms of Multiple sclerosis, such as pain and muscle spasms [7]. Soma vs. Flexeril for Muscle Strains and Sprains A muscle sprain is defined as a torn or stretched ligament, whereas a muscle strain is a torn or stretched muscle or tendons. Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine, in conjunction with physical therapy, rest, and other treatments, are used to relax muscles and relieve discomfort and pain caused by muscle sprains and strains. Both medicines belong to the class of drugs known as skeletal muscle relaxants and work by relaxing the muscles by acting on the nervous system and brain. Carisoprodol vs. Cyclobenzaprine: Safety and Long-Term Use The long-term use of Soma is not safe and is not recommended for use over three weeks because taking it over three weeks can cause abuse. Anyone addicted to Soma will begin to manifest certain behavioral changes, such as Crime, strained relationships, thoughts of suicide, mood changes, consistent attempts to procure prescriptions, declining work performance, and withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities. People who have been abusing Soma may experience various symptoms of withdrawal, such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal cramping [8]. Flexeril should be used for two to three weeks because its effectiveness for long-term use is not known [9]. An individual might abuse Cyclobenzaprine in order to feel mildly euphoric, relaxed, or sedated, and long-term use of the drug can lead to physical dependence, a person taking the drug at higher doses due to pain can become familiar with the presence of the drug in the body and can develop an addiction as a result. Additionally, people using Flexeril may experience mild withdrawal symptoms if the drug is used in high doses. Some of the signs that indicate someone may have cyclobenzaprine addiction are Taking Flexeril after it's no longer needed. Faking symptoms to get a Flexeril prescription Sudden changes in behavior, hygiene, and physical appearance Spending the majority of the time thinking about the drug Constantly using the medication [10] Some of the common Cyclobenzaprine withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, nausea, headache, fatigue, general discomfort, chills, and fever [11]. Soma vs. Flexeril- Comparison of their side effects Some of the possible side effects of Flexeril are dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, stomach pain, drowsiness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle weakness, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. On the other hand, some of the possible adverse events of muscle relaxers Soma are drowsiness, agitation, nervousness, dizziness, tremor, headache, irritability, insomnia, blurred vision, depression, upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting [12]. Points To Know Before The Intake Of The Soma Or Flexeril Before taking any muscle relaxants, you need to follow these points to avoid side effects. The points are as follows: You should not take Soma 350 mg or Flexeril if you’re above 65 years of age. Avoid alcohol while on the medication. Pregnant or lactating women should not take Carisoprodol or Cyclobenzaprine without consulting their healthcare professional. It is advisable to seek medical advice if you have previously experienced any side effects from any medications. Drug intake while on the Soma or Flexeril dose is highly not advisable. Do not overdose on the medicines. Avoid the intake of Flexeril or Soma dose if you are on some other medication. It may cause side effects to the body. Flexeril Vs. Soma- Drug Interactions A drug interaction is defined as a reaction between two drugs or between drugs and a beverage, food, or supplement. Flexeril has potential interactions with CNS antidepressants, alcohol, opioids, allergy medications, and sleeping pills, whereas Soma can interact with alcohol, narcotics, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates [13]. A Comparison Of Effectiveness For Muscle Pain Relief In Elderly Patients: Soma Vs. Flexeril One of the most essential pharmacokinetic changes associated with aging is decreased renal elimination of drugs therefore, Soma and Flexeril should not be taken by older adults because they are not as effective or safe and may cause serious side effects [14] [15] [16]. Soma vs. Flexeril- Conclusion Both Soma and Flexeril are commonly prescribed muscle relaxants that can help alleviate muscle discomfort and pain. Now you must be wondering about Soma or Flexeril. Which one to choose? Based on our findings, if we had to suggest one medicine out of the two, it would be the soma pill, as it has a quick onset of action and has a rating of 9 out of 10 on the website drugs.com. However, we do not suggest taking Soma medication for muscle discomfort without consulting your doctor. Soma is also an affordable choice of muscle relaxant. A similar comparative study between Soma and Robaxin further confirms it to be more pocket-friendly. If you are wondering how Soma muscle relaxers differ from opioid medications or which is a better pain treatment option, then we recommend you go through our Carisoprodol vs Tramadol blog for a better understanding of the topic.
