Both medications come in orally administered (taken by mouth) tablets.
However, baclofen is also available in other oral and injectable forms.
Cyclobenzaprine is available as a generic and under the brand name Amrix, an extended-release form.
Eric BERACASSAT / Contributor / Getty Images
Baclofen is sold under several brands, including Fleqsuvy, Lyvispah, and Ozobax DS.
Although both drugs are considered skeletal muscle relaxants, there are several notable differences between the two.
This article will highlight the similarities and differences between baclofen and cyclobenzaprine.
Eric BERACASSAT / Contributor / Getty Images
What Is Baclofen?
Baclofen is a generic medication.
This is called an off-label use.
This results in fewer and less severe muscle spasms.
What Is Cyclobenzaprine?
Like baclofen, cyclobenzaprine is a prescription skeletal muscle relaxant.
However, its uses and dosage forms differ somewhat from baclofen.
Flexeril was a brand name for the generic drug cyclobenzaprine oral tablet.
However, the brand-name version is no longer available.
Cyclobenzaprine is also available as an extended-release oral capsule.
It’s approved for use in adults and children ages 15 years and older.
By slowing down activity in your CNS, cyclobenzaprine reduces signals from your brain that promote muscle spasms.
This results in more relaxed muscles.
Main Differences
The table below outlines key differences between baclofen and cyclobenzaprine.
Dosage
Below are the recommended dosages for baclofen and cyclobenzaprine.
Keep in mind that your healthcare provider will prescribe a dosage specific for your condition.
It’s important to follow their instructions carefully.
Baclofen Dosage
The dosage of baclofen varies based on the drug form you take or use.
Dosage for oral forms of baclofen
Oral forms of baclofen are typically taken three times daily.
Your healthcare provider may start you at a low dose of 5 mg three times daily.
The maximum dose of oral forms of baclofen is 80 mg per day.
Dosage for baclofen intrathecal injection
A healthcare provider must administer a Baclofen intrathecal injection.
The injection is typically given in your back.
Further screening doses may be given if the response is less than desired.
Your healthcare provider will likely have you start taking 5 mg of cyclobenzaprine three times per day.
If needed, they may increase your dose to 7.5 mg or 10 mg three times daily.
Cyclobenzaprine is not typically used long-term.
The recommended length of treatment is two to three weeks.
Can You Take Baclofen and Cyclobenzaprine Together?
It’s best not to take baclofen and cyclobenzaprine together.
Both baclofen and cyclobenzaprine can slow down activity in your CNS.
This may lead to side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, orfatigue.
Taking both medications together may increase your risk of side effects or worsen them.
If your healthcare provider prescribes baclofen and cyclobenzaprine together, they may prescribe a lower dose of either medication.
They’ll also monitor you for signs of increased side effects.
Which Is More Effective?
Most side effects of these medications are mild and don’t require medical attention.
They may adjust your dosage or recommend a different treatment for your condition.
Precautions include:
Do They Have Similar Drug Interactions?
Because baclofen and cyclobenzaprine both slow down the activity in CNS, they have some similar drug interactions.
These lists do not include all possible drug interactions for baclofen or cyclobenzaprine.
If you have questions about drug interactions, your pharmacist or other healthcare provider can help.
Differences between the two include their uses, dosages and dosage forms, and ages for approved uses.
Cyclobenzaprine is more often used to relieve muscle spasms due to muscle injuries.
Baclofen is available in several dosage forms, including an oral tablet and intrathecal injection.
Cyclobenzaprine only comes as an oral tablet.
Baclofen oral forms are approved for use in adults and children 12 years and older.
The injection may be used in adults and children as young as 4 years of age.
Cyclobenzaprine oral tablet is approved for use in adults and children ages 15 years and older.
Both baclofen and cyclobenzaprine have some similar as well as different side effects and drug interactions.
Talk with your healthcare provider to learn which medication is right for you.
DailyMed.Label: Baclofen injection.
DailyMed.Label: Baclofen tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Baclofen suspension.
DailyMed.Label: Cyclobenzaprine- cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
Food and Drug Administration.Orange Book: approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations.
Klasser, Gary.Myofascial pain syndrome.Merck Manual: Professional Version.
2016;22(3):263-271. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2016.22.3.263
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Spasticity.
