Soma vs. Flexeril: Understanding Muscle Relaxants and Their Differences

Muscle pain and spasms can significantly impact daily life, resulting in many individuals seeking relief through medication. Among the various options available, Soma (Carisoprodol) and Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) are two commonly prescribed muscle relaxants.

While both medications aim to reduce discomfort, they differ in their chemical composition, mechanism of action, and potential side effects. Understanding these differences is crucial for patients and healthcare providers.

In this blog, we will look into the characteristics, benefits, and risks associated with Soma and Flexeril. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview to guide your choices in muscle pain management.

What Are Soma And Flexeril?

Before we get into the similarities and differences between these two muscle relaxers, let us have an overview of them.

What Is Soma Pill?

Soma, the brand drug of Carisoprodol, is a prescription medication primarily used as a muscle relaxant. It is prescribed for short-term use, often in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.

What Is Flexeril?

Flexeril, or cyclobenzaprine, is another muscle relaxant that is often prescribed for similar purposes. Like Soma, Flexeril is intended for short-term use, often as part of a broader treatment plan that includes physical therapy and rest.

Cyclobenzaprine Vs Soma (Carisoprodol)- Key Similarities

While Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine have distinct pharmacological profiles, several similarities exist between them:

Indication

Both medications are primarily used to treat acute musculoskeletal pain.

Mechanism of Action

Although they act through different mechanisms, both Flexeril and Soma exert their effects on the central nervous system (CNS) to induce muscle relaxation. Flexeril primarily works by inhibiting certain nerve signals in the brain, while Soma acts as a CNS depressant.

Duration of Action

Both Soma pills and Flexeril have a similar duration of action, which is about 4 to 6 hours.

Short-Term Use

Both Flexeril and Soma are recommended for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and the potential for tolerance with prolonged use [3,4].

Prescription Status

Both Flexeril and Soma are prescription medications, highlighting the need for professional monitoring when used for muscle relaxation. They are not available over the counter.

Difference Between Soma And Flexeril

Along with the similarities, there are notable differences between Soma and Flexil that should be taken into consideration when choosing the right muscle relaxant.

Chemical Composition

The Soma pill is composed of Carisoprodol as the active compound, whereas the active compound of Flexeril is Cyclobenzaprine.

Onset of Action

Carisoprodol begins to show effect within 30 minutes of administration, whereas Cyclobenzaprine generally requires 30 minutes to 1 hour to start working [5].

Affordability

The cost of 350mg of Soma pill starts at $0.83 per pill at IyrinHealth Care. On the other hand, the cost of 10mg of Cyclobenzaprine is $3.45 per pill [6].

Formulation

Flexeril or Cyclobenzaprine is available in extended-release tablets, whereas the Soma pill is not. The extended-release tablets are slowly released in the body over a period of time, usually between 12 to 24 hours.

Pregnancy Category

Flexeril is a pregnancy category B medication and shows no risk in animal studies [7].

Studies at doses up to 20 times the human dose demonstrate no evidence of impaired fertility or fetal harm. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Carisoprodol is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug. This means that there is limited research on the effects of Carisoprodol on pregnant people. However, animal studies have shown adverse effects [8].

User Reviews

On the website Drugs, Soma pill has a rating of 9.1 out of 10 whereas, Flexeril has 6.0 out of 10 [9,10].

Carisoprodol Vs Cyclobenzaprine: Clinical Uses

Carisoprodol is best for short-term relief of acute muscle spasms but is not ideal for chronic conditions due to dependence risks.

Cyclobenzaprine is more versatile and can be used for a range of conditions, including chronic pain, with a generally better safety profile.

Always consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment before taking any medication.

Safety Profile And Side Effects

Both Soma and Flexeril may be associated with various side effects. It is important for patients to be aware of these potential adverse effects to make informed decisions. Healthcare professionals should monitor for these reactions to ensure patient safety and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Side Effects Of Soma Pill

The common side effects of the Soma pill include drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. In serious cases, it may result in rash, itching, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Side Effects Of Flexeril

The side effects of Flexeril that do not require any medical attention include Constipation, Dry mouth, Dizziness, Nausea, Drowsiness, and Fatigue.

However, the side effects that should be reported to a doctor include-

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, itching.
• CNS depression, such as shortness of breath, shallow breathing, trouble staying awake, dizziness, fainting, and confusion.
• Cardiac disorders such as irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, and chest pain [11].

Drug Interaction Of Carisoprodol And Cyclobenzaprine

A drug interaction occurs when one medication affects how another medication works in the body. This can change the effectiveness of the drugs or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to be aware of these interactions to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Carisoprodol Drug Interactions

According to information from the Drugs website, Carisoprodol has the potential to interact with 370 medications. Understanding the potential interactions with Carisoprodol is crucial for ensuring its safe and effective use.

Serious Interactions

Carisoprodol can result in serious drug interactions with the following medications:

• Apalutamide
• Benzhydrocodone/Acetaminophen
• Calcium/Magnesium/Potassium/Sodium Oxybates
• Hydrocodone
• Lonafarnib
• Metoclopramide Intranasal
• Selinexor
• Sodium Oxybate
• Sufentanil SL

These interactions may enhance the risk of side effects or alter the therapeutic effects of the medications involved.

Moderate Interactions

In addition to the serious interactions listed above, Carisoprodol has moderate interactions with at least 162 other drugs. It is essential to discuss all medications with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure safe and effective use. Some of the medications that can result in moderate drug interaction with the Soma pill include-

• allopurinol
• armodafinil
• betaxolol
• carteolol
• diazepam
• eprosartan
• felodipine
• gabapentin
• losartan
• rasagiline

Minor Interactions

Carisoprodol also presents minor interactions with herbal products such as Eucalyptus and Sage. While these interactions may not be severe, they should still be considered when planning your treatment regimen.

Cyclobenzaprine Drug Interaction

Cyclobenzaprine use can lead to significant drug interactions that may increase the risk of adverse effects. Cyclobenzaprine may interact with 444 medications, thus highlighting the importance of careful monitoring when considering the use of this muscle relaxant.

Key Drug Interactions

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Selegiline, Rasagiline (Azilect), and Tranylcypromine (Parnate). Concurrent use with cyclobenzaprine or within 14 days of discontinuation can lead to serious side effects, including seizures.
• Taking Barbiturates such as Phenobarbital, Butalbital, and Primidone may enhance sedation and drowsiness, increasing the risk of respiratory depression.
• Co-administration of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) with Flexeril may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Taking anticholinergic medications such as Oxybutynin can increase the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation.
• The use of Antidepressants such as Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline can cause sedation.

Warning And Precautionary Measures

• Both medications can cause sedation, dizziness, and respiratory depression, especially when taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
• Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving after taking these medications.
• Both medications should be used only as prescribed and for a short duration.
• Soma pills and Flexeril can exacerbate cardiovascular issues. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease.
• Inform your full medical history, including any history of substance abuse, liver problems, seizures, or cardiovascular issues, to your healthcare provider.
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Follow the prescribed dosages and durations for both medications closely; do not exceed the recommended amount.

Flexeril Vs Soma- Our Final Thoughts

Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) and Soma (Carisoprodol) are both FDA-approved muscle relaxants recognized for their effectiveness and safety. However, they have distinct characteristics that may make one more suitable than the other, depending on individual needs.

Soma is advantageous for its quicker onset of action, providing rapid relief for acute muscle pain, and is generally more affordable, enhancing accessibility for many patients. It also exhibits a lower risk of drug interactions, making it a safer choice for individuals on multiple medications. However, it may lead to dependency or withdrawal symptoms if used long-term and has a shorter duration of effect.

In contrast, Flexeril is effective for a wider range of pain conditions, including fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain, and offers longer-lasting relief, which can be beneficial for chronic pain management. That said, it has a slower onset of action, which may not be ideal for immediate relief, and carries a higher potential for drug interactions.

It is essential to consult a doctor before starting any of the medications discussed, as their recommendations may vary based on your individual health conditions and the severity of your symptoms. A doctor can provide personalized guidance to ensure the most appropriate treatment approach for your situation.

If you are looking to explore other muscle relaxants or pain relievers, you might find our comparison of Carisoprodol vs Tramadol helpful. Both medications are commonly used for pain management, but they work in different ways, so understanding the differences can help in making an informed choice for treatment.