Question posted by mitjason on 21 Dec 2009
Last updated on 12 January 2025 by mfpdfibro
I'm about to start a skeletal muscle relaxant for physical therapy and need your help! Here are a list of skeletal muscle relaxants. Please select the one you have had the best results with and let me know about it! I would appreciate it so much! Thanks in advance!
-Carisoprodol (Soma)
-Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
-Metaxalone (Skelaxin)
-Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
-Dantrolene (Dantrium)
-Baclofen (Lioresal)
-Chlorzoxazone (Paraflex)
-Orphenadrine (Norflex)
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Without any hesitation Carisoprodol (Soma) only thing that actually works for me. Good Luck!
I am on skelaxin and I have to say it's probably the worst one there is. Flexaril and soma are the best. I hardly hear anyone in jersey gets soma but flexaril works great for sleep and for muscles. I pulled every muscle in my ribs and they can't do anything for me. But flexaril helps with the spasms.
Absolutely Soma works best for me!!350 mg.Getting hard to keep a prescription for this medication is the only issue.But,it works the best.And it is not expensive.But,if u can't get a prescription for Soma,I would go with Zanaflex.It works ok.And is not costly either.
Id have to go with Soma for the winner... only thing that really helps with that kinda pain... if i could still get em i would lol. My dad still uses em too... think its been 25years by now hes been on em. he has varicose veins plus other pain probs and theyre the only thing he uses too...
I agree--- it's Soma for me too! Nothing else has ever touched my neck and shoulder pain. Never tried Robaxin--my husband took it back in the '70s, but I hadn't heard of it again until coming to this site.
I use Robaxin. Hands down.. no groggy side effect with me. I take them up to 3 times a day and does seem to help with severe flare ups.
Myself, Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) works the best! I've tried others but I will stick with Flexeril.
Question posted 25 June 2012 by tree25677
I was put on Cyclobenzaprine and boy do 10 mg twice a day put your muscles at rest!
Actually I like Robaxin 750 the best, way better than Somas, as they gave me RLS. Robaxin 750 x 2 ever 4 hours as needed relaxes my tense muscles in my neck and back and isn't a newly controlled substance.
That's my opinion.
Have a sunshine filled day,
Sweet Hippie
thanx imarini55, didn't know dr's still prescribed the robaxin anymore. i did take that years ago, however i have not even heard a dr. mention that drug in many yrs. not even sure of it's availability in the pharmacies anymore either. do pharmacies still keep this drug in stock and do dr's still prescribe it cause i haven't heard a dr. even bring that drug up in so many yrs. guess it's due to the fact that so many newer came out since the robaxin was a drug choice by dr's. no dr's ever suggest the robaxin anymore. i also remember taking parafon forte many many yrs. ago, like the mid 80's and that's a very good muscle relaxer however that's another one that dr's never suggest anymore. anyone know any info about the availability of the parafon forte or the robaxin nowadays? do pharmacies still keep them in stock and do dr's prescribe them anymore.
if so, i can't imagine that none of the dr's i've been to over the past 20 yrs have never mentioned writing a script out for them. is it because these drugs are not carried by pharmacies anymore?
I get my Robaxin 750's filled every month at Walgreens. Haven't heard of parafon forte in a while. But it might still.be available. Ask your pharmacist. Oldies buy goodies.
Peace and happy hunting,
Hippie
Hi Lund-Ellen and Hey Sweet Hippie,
Yes both are still available pretty much everywhere. When my pain mgmt clinic took all their patients off Soma (which works best for me) they tried me on both of those. I didn't have any problem getting either one. I think the reason drs don't prescribe the older tried and true ones anymore is because of the pharmacutical reps pushing all the new muscle relaxers out there. They always seem to have free samples of the new ones too. But you shouldn't have any problems getting the older ones. If you tell your doc that's what works for you. He/She would probably be happy to write a script for those with all the controversary (like hippie girly said) with the controlled substance crap. Oops don't get me started on that again. *smile*
Your friend -Terri-
Hey tlcandmore,
So glad you agree, but usually we agree on most everything ... now don't we?
Peace sissy,
Laura
You are so right sister girl. Peas in a pod. Hope you've had a good weekend. I really enjoyed our talk. You always lift my spirits. I needed that. Just trying to keep my mind off my daughters upcoming surgery. Tuesday is the day but I'm feeling a little better about it with help from my friends. Thanks for that.
Love ya sweetie -Terri-
Tlc,
YOU can always call... whenever you want. Not kidding!
L
thanx so much for your answer Imarian, really appreciate your input. happy to hear that the robaxin is still available and that dr's still precribe it. i will have to inquire about this when i see my pmd which happens to be today, although, he just recently put me on the flexeril 10 mg. and i am not really satisfied with results since starting that. just hope my dr. will not become annoyed if i once again ask for a different muscle relaxer. ya see when i was taken off the soma about a month ago, i had asked for the skelaxin 750 and was unable to afford to pay for that, then when i went back to see him the follwoing month, i had to tell him i brought the script to pharmacy, but hadn't been able to pay for it, therefor, it was filled and left unpurchased and that rx went to waste and then had to ask him for a substitute and that's when he replaced it with flexeril.
i just hope he doesn't become agggitated if i once again ask him to write out another script for something else again. don't know if i should first finish all refills on flexeril and then ask for robaxin or parafon forte, when it comes up for a new written script. don't know how he'd react to my asking for a new script now with 3 more refills remaining on flexeril. hummmm... take care and have a great day
Lund-ellen,
Your PM doc is supposed to be taking care of you and you pay him very well for his services. ASK HIM/HER!!!
It's your body, it's something you can afford, tell him it doesn't work for you, please let's try the oldies but goodies. Fu*k him. It's your right to get compassionate, caring and non-judgemental treatment
Got it.
Laura
Hi LE,
I have to agree with my friend the hipster. When they took me off Soma I went through 5 other muscle relaxers within 3 months trying to find one that worked. My pm doc didn't have a problem with that - he just didn't want to prescribe Soma anymore. Don't hesitate to ask for something else. Flexiril didn't work for me either. It made me feel just awful. I hope you find something that works for you sweetie.
Your friend -Terri-
Totally agree Robaxin is my safety net. Best I've tried yet. Soma isn't bad though but a bit over the top for me.
Robaxin has my vote too.
I agree with flexeril. It might make you tired or not, it does me, but it returns great.
sorry, but i must disagree with the positive input regarding the flexeril. i have now been taking it about a month and i can honestly say i do not get much relief if any from it. secondly, i have never experienced the drowsiness that most people claim they do. SOMA is the only muscle relaxer that i can say has even effected my muscle spasms and actually calmed them down, the flexeril cannot do what soma can do. i have tried every single muscle relaxer ever made and have never got relief from the muscles spasms. the DEA gave us the royal screwing when they decided to reclassify the SOMA, and make it a controlled substance. this move on their behalf is assanine to say the least. clearly a panic move that is absolutely unnecessary. leave it up to the DEA to screw things up. now the patients that really need this drug and can benefit from taking it are screwed. Well DEA- All i can say is this was the dumbest move yet. what's the matter with you morons there at the DEA. guess ya just don't give a damn.
Well said and my sentiments exactly. Soma is the only one that ever worked for me too. I did lots of ranting on this site when I was going through the same thing. Finally, my pcp decided that he didn't want to see me suffer anymore and he gave me the Soma's again. I feel for you as I know what you are going through. It was 6 months of pure hell for me and that just doesn't make sense. I mean give me a break I'm on major pain meds and they think a muscle relaxer is going to cause a problem. Cheesh...
Your (on her soapbox) friend -Terri-
Terri and Lund-Ellen I feel bad for you girls I don't take anything for back like that. I was speaking from past experience when I had to. I do agree soma is great. I got m for yrs then just didn't need them anymore
I no here,where I live their not hard to get. I no a lot of ppl they are prescribed to.
I also didn't no the DEA was screwing ppl on them. I thought that was just us that need class 4 arcotics.
Terri you seem to have a good Dr. Ellen hitch bitch until you get what you need. If you've been goin to this Dr long enough they should listen and know.
Good luck
Lori
No question about it, Soma is the best. Flexerel just made me tired and groggy with no relief. Skelaxin did absolutely nothing and it costs too much. Baclofen (sp?) made me dizzy and nauseous. It also did nothing for the muscle spasms and pain.
I think the thing with Soma, however, compared to the others it's in a class of its own... basically bc it works! I can understand why doctor's don't prescribe it anymore, but they need to come out with something that at least comes close. I remember the first time I took it, within 15-20 minutes I was relaxed and in turn it took the pain away. It was a miracle! But, even with taking the dosage I was prescribed, 30-45 minutes into it I was in la la land! So I started taking half the recommended dosage, but then would battle with it not being as effective. Eventually, after 3 years of being on it I built up a tolerance. My old doctor decided to increase my dosage and I had the worst experience.
I started slurring my speech, could barely walk, started losing movement in my legs and arms. I passed out but don't remember it and I woke up to my boyfriend (fiancé now ;) ) shaking me. It took me awhile to realize what happened. Sad thing is I took exactly what the doctor told me to, which was 2 and if still having spasms and or pain to take 1/2 - 1 two hrs later. I only took 1/2... can't imagine if I would have taken a whole one!
That was about 4 years ago and I still take it (different doctor prescribing it bc other one was just throwing meds at him and increasing dosages left and right). However, I take it on and off. I only take it when th spasms and pain are unbearable. And I only take 1/2 of one. If I take full one I usually regret it bc of the lack of mind control and euphoria. Luckily, my doctor still prescribes it, but by the sound of things it looks like not for much longer.
So, my advice: if you do get soma, start off with 1/2 (they aren't even scored but easy to break). Then gradually work your way to taking a whole but preferably in the evening when you have nothing to do. Also, don't stay on it for an extended amount of time and only take it when you REALLY need it. If taken with a narcotic DO NOT take together. Spread it out, at the minimum, 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
** I know this thread is old, but just wanted to share my experience!
thanx for your input and your sympathy for my situation tckyn, appeciate the fact that you can relate to my situation and understand what i'm going thru at this time with the Soma. i really want to go back on it but i'm sure it won't be possible at this time. maybe when i go back to the pain dr. next month i can bring it up with him and make it clear to him that the flexeril is a poor substiture for the soma and he'll reconsider but i know he's only done this cause of the DEA presuring him and trying to create a problem for him to continue prescribing it. i know if the DEA, CDC weren't such watchdogs and so overbearing the dr. would keep me on the soma. guess it's pretty hard for dr's to prescribe certain meds with the DEA being watchdogs and breathing down dr's necks and watching every move they make. if a dr. can't prescribe certain drugs then who can, geesh. the whole thing is utterly ridiculous.
the DEA are rotten and will use any excuse to act like the watchdogs and dictate what dr's can and cannot prescribe. what nonsense it all is.
i have used Soma for many years and i find that this is the only muscle relaxer that really gives me any relief at all. i have been taking it for many years now, however i was recently told that the damn CDC, relabled this and made it a controlled substance and i suffer with a few conditions and need to take 2 controlled substances now as it is so my dr. informed me that he will not be able to prescribe the Soma to me any longer. i am extremely disappointed and very angry with the CDS's decision to relabel and reclassifiy this muscle relaxer and consider the Soma as a narcotic. it's utterly ridiculous to reclassify a drug that has been classified and used as a muscle relaxer for so many years. so i ask somebody, hey CDC, what muscle relaxer could replace the SOMA? i need to take something almost identicle to the Soma. i have tried many of the newer muscle relaxers and most do not give the relief that the Soma does. thanks alot for the lousy decision to change this.
if anyone can suggest a substitute for the SOMA, please do and remember it needs to be almost identical to the soma properties. it's got to be an effective one that gives noticable relief. please respond a.s.a.p. and also forgot to mention, i had gotten a prescription for Skelaxin but it's so out of this world as far as the price of it i cannot afford to buy this. absolutely ridiculous that 100 skelaxin's cost over 300 even with a discount, what the ?
I'm sorry you're going through that. I might be in your place soon, but luckily my doctor still prescribes it.
If you don't mind me asking, why did he stop prescribing them to you? Just because you are taking 2 other controlled substances besides for the Soma? If so, that is ridiculous. I know someone that has a pretty severe muscle condition and he gets presribed 4 controlled substances. Don't know if it bc his condition or not, but I'd get a second opinion!
I take Klonapin for anxiety and it actually helps my muscles relax. However, it too is a controlled substance.
You're correct though, nothing works as good as Soma. I don't know if anything even comes close unfortunately. They need to come out with something else similar before they stop giving it to ppl! Best of luck!
thanx so much tlc for adding your input. well the reason my pain dr. discontinued the SOMA is due to the fact that i already am presently prescribed 2 narcotic meds. for severe chronic pain and he informed me about 1 month ago that the DEA, was cracking down on prescribing to paitents who are already taking controlled substances. apparently, according to the dr. the DEA would question his reasons for having me on 3 different meds. classified as controlled substances/narcotics. he informed me that it would raise suspicions on the DEA'S part, as to why it is necessary to have me on 3 controlled substances at the same time and i my guess is that the DEA is just doing all they can to make more and more scripts unavailable as a result of the idiots out that that are abusing drugs, or perhaps selling them but i find it absolutely cruel for the DEA to force those people who really can benefit from the use of the SOMA along with their other meds.
to make us suffer cause of the many jerks out there making profit from these drugs by selling them. over the years the sale of precription drugs has soared and people are making mega bucks by selling their meds. obviously the DEA hasn't stopped and thought about the fact that there are real patients out there, really hurting, people who really suffer with severe chronic pain that cannot afford to even give up one pill for any amount of money cause they need the meds. for themselves. obviously the DEA has no consideration for us , the patients who really benefit from taking such drugs. it's just ignorance on the DEA'S part, to ignore the fact that there are real patients with real pain that need to take these meds. cause they actually help them. God forbid they should help us out here. i am just livid with anger at the DEA. Well that's it for the DEA. I could go on forever and ever with what i feel about them. they're just dumb and ignorant. well thanx again tlc, hope to hear from you again.
soma's are now a schedule 3 drug bc people abuse them as much as xanax, adderall, and valium... I hope you find something that is equally good, but i'm glad it is a schedule 3, it is highly addictive and therefore should be considered a narcotic... people in florida were popping Soma's like they were Xanax or Oxycotin's... anything highly addictive should be a controlled drug, other muscle relaxers work just fine, i have a bad bad back and i can deal with regular muscle relaxers. If you need the euphoric, fuzzy feeling a pill gets you, you many need some help... no one should NEED these pills and if you do you should probably consult your doctor! AT THE END OF THE DAY... I SAY SOMA'S ARE NO GOOD AND BELONG ON THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LIST...
Somas work best for me and for my mom but, after 8years of being on them my Dr. has decided not to write them anymore for anyone. He is not the only Dr. that has stopped writing them. I know of 5 Dr.s that have stopped writing them. Flexeril works well, but it takes #days for me to get relief w them. Skelaxin,zanaflex,robaxin have never relieved my pain. I am now taking valium along w norcos. Its to soon to know if that combo will help. Good luck & be careful, opiate addiction is severe and i don't know if i could beat it. Haven't yet.
Soma worked the best for me when I had it. My Dr, in his infinite wisdom, switched me to 10 mg flexaril. He decided Soma was too addictive...
I agree 100%. Soma works better than any of the other muscle relaxers but because people started using it to get "high" no docs want to rx it anymore. It's crazy. I'm on Fentanyl and Oxycodone (at the time OxyContin and Oxycodone) and Soma is too addictive!!! My pain mgmt clinic took all their patients off it. I'm still mad as hell...
Soma is the ONLY med that has ever worked for me!
These docs are just crazy to tell us that IT is more addictive than narcotic pain meds!!
Since Soma is SO cheap, I think maybe the drug companies are helping to steer the docs away from it, and towards the others...
Hi Mary - I was in my pharmacy the other day and the person ahead of me had their insurance denying to pay for their Soma. Since it is so cheap, I am thinking you are right about these companies trying to push the other more expensive muscle relaxers. The pharmacist told me that this is happening a lot. Insurance companies denying to pay for Soma. It's just unbelievable to me. My pain mgmt clinic won't prescribe it to anyone anymore. Luckily my primary care doc doesn't feel the same way. I really went through hell the 5 months that they tried me on all the other muscle relaxers. I am so disappointed with the way our medical care is provided these days. It is all about the mighty dollar not what is best for the patient. Well I have said my piece and will get off my soap box now. I am glad you found a good doc that has you on the right meds. Take care sweetie and have a great day.
Much love -Terri-
Thanks, Terri... YOU have a good day too!
I think one of the last times I bought the generic Soma, I got 90 tabs for under $15.00. That was probably December, as I only take one a night.
My ONLY complaint with Soma is what someone else mentioned--it tastes awful--very bitter--BUT a VERY small price to pay for great pain relief with no other side effects!!!
Mary, madhatter.
I like soma over flexeril. I think it works better and it doesn't leave your mouth as dry. Soma may give you a dry mouth but not as bad as flexeril.
i've used baclofen, flexeril, and soma and i loved soma the strongest worked the best to relieve pain. But be warned doctors say its the most addictive of all of them ... hope all goes well
dantrium, flexeril, lioresal, norflex, paraflex, skelaxin, soma, zanaflex, pain, back pain, muscle pain, neck pain, carisoprodol, breakthrough pain
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.