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Comparing Tizanidine vs Zanaflex

Tizanidine

Zanaflex

tizanidine

Tizanidine is an effective muscle relaxant; however, it causes sedation and has a high risk of liver toxicity, so monitoring of liver enzymes is required. Prescribed for Muscle Spasm. May also be... more

Prescribed for Muscle Spasm. May also be prescribed off label for Cluster Headaches.

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
6.6
232 Reviews

For Muscle Spasm Tizanidine was prescribed in 2015 to help relieve pain caused by spinal stenosis at the top and bottom of my spine. I am extremely tolerant of most drugs. One 2 mg tab was prescribed for 3 times a day. It seemed to relieve my pain just enough to help me sleep. I haven't had back pain for the 3 years I've taken it (as of 2018), and it still helps me sleep a little. I'm unsure whether the Tizanidine is reducing my pain, or the stenosis is hibernating, but I'm not about to mess with success and intend to continue taking it. The drug seems somewhat effective and has no untoward side effects for me.

5
setha2z

For Muscle Spasm I have been on tizandine 12mg daily for several years for severe cervical, lumbar, & sacral spasms. It is fair at controlling muscle spasms . I am sure my body has adjusted to the meds but my pain doctor will not prescribe dosages higher than what I am taking.

5
in pain long time
7.7
88 Reviews

For Muscle Spasm I have been taking zanaflex for about 2 years. The best thing about this medicine is it helps me sleep and for me there is no grogginess in the morning. I'm totally alert. Not like with other muscle relaxants. However the medicine usually last about 3-4 hours so it's quite common to wake up in the middle of the night. I give it an 8 because it does work really well for me however I wish the effects would last a little longer to get a full nights rest and also because I can't take it in the day because it knocks me out.....cold.

8
MonkeyTech

For Muscle Spasm I found this to be a wonderful muscle relaxant with very few, if any, negative side effects. It worked well for me during many bouts of chronic back pain that kept me awake at night. It did make me a little bit sleepy and dizzy, but nothing that bothered me very much at all. At night, this wasn't even a concern, but I could easily take it during the day at work and perform and feel fine. This isn't exactly a "pain" medication but I did find that it worked almost as well for my particular back pain as the narcotic medicines I was also prescribed.

8
O.Lou

View all 232 reviews

View all 88 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: bradycardia, dizziness, drowsiness, hypotension, asthenia, fatigue, and xerostomia.

See the full tizanidine side effects document.

Common side effects include: bradycardia, dizziness, drowsiness, hypotension, asthenia, fatigue, and xerostomia.

See the full Zanaflex side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 10 tablet
Dosage 4 mg
Per Unit* $1.49
Cost* $14.88
View all tizanidine prices
Quantity 150 capsule
Dosage 2 mg
Per Unit* $2.67
Cost* $401.22
View all Zanaflex prices
View generic prices

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Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Zanaflex

N/A

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

2.5 hours

2.5 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (1)

FDA Alerts (1)

Drug Interactions

A total of 1046 drugs are known to interact with tizanidine:

  • 429 major drug interactions (2208 brand and generic names)
  • 611 moderate drug interactions (3774 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (36 brand and generic names)

A total of 1046 drugs are known to interact with Zanaflex:

  • 429 major drug interactions (2208 brand and generic names)
  • 611 moderate drug interactions (3774 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (36 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Using tiZANidine together with alcohol may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness,... more
  • Using tiZANidine together with alcohol may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness,... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

November 27, 1996

November 27, 1996

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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