Muscle relaxer cost: cyclobenzaprine, tizanidine and more

Common prescription muscle relaxers

• Cyclobenzaprine. Used for muscle spasms. It comes as a tablet taken three times a day and as an extended-release capsule (Amrix) taken once a day (MedlinePlus). If you’re offered the capsule, ask whether the regular generic tablet would work, and price both.
• Methocarbamol (Robaxin). Used with rest, physical therapy and other measures to relieve pain from strains, sprains and other muscle injuries (MedlinePlus).
• Tizanidine (Zanaflex). Used for spasms, cramping and tightness from conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal injury. It comes as a tablet, capsule and liquid. MedlinePlus says the capsules and tablets may release the drug differently, so don’t switch between them without your doctor (MedlinePlus).
• Baclofen. Used for pain and certain types of muscle stiffness from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries and diseases (MedlinePlus).
• Carisoprodol (Soma). Used with rest and physical therapy for strains and sprains. MedlinePlus says it can be habit-forming (MedlinePlus).

Which one fits depends on your condition, your other medicines and your age, so don’t switch on your own. If price is a problem, tell your prescriber before you leave the office; a lower-cost generic may do the same job. This page isn’t medical advice.

Safety warnings to know

• Drowsiness. MedlinePlus says these drugs can make you drowsy. Don’t drive or use machinery until you know how the medicine affects you (MedlinePlus).
• Alcohol. Alcohol can make the side effects worse or add to the drowsiness. Ask your doctor about drinking while you take one (MedlinePlus, MedlinePlus).
• Age 65 and older. MedlinePlus says older adults usually shouldn’t take cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol or carisoprodol, because they aren’t as safe or effective as other options (MedlinePlus, MedlinePlus, MedlinePlus). Ask your doctor what’s safer for you.
• Don’t stop some suddenly. Stopping baclofen abruptly can cause seizures, fever, confusion, muscle stiffness or hallucinations, and stopping tizanidine suddenly can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will usually lower the dose gradually (MedlinePlus, MedlinePlus).
• Drug interactions. Cyclobenzaprine shouldn’t be taken with certain antidepressants called MAO inhibitors, including within two weeks of stopping one (MedlinePlus). Give your pharmacist a full list of what you take.

Back pain: what to expect

NIAMS says acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks, while chronic back pain lasts longer than 12 weeks (NIAMS). Muscle relaxers are generally a short-term tool, so ask your doctor how long you should take one and what else, such as physical therapy, may help. If pain lasts or comes with numbness, weakness or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, get medical care.

If you’re also prescribed a nerve pain medicine, see our gabapentin cost guide. Ask your pharmacist whether the two can be safely taken together.

How to pay less

• Ask for the generic. FDA says generics work the same way as the brand, and prices tend to drop as more companies make the same drug (FDA).
• Compare cash prices. The same muscle relaxer prescription can cost different amounts at different pharmacies. Check a free discount card such as RxGo before you fill, and compare it with your copay.
• Check your plan’s drug list. Look up the drug and its tier, then compare the copay with a discount price (HealthCare.gov).
• On Medicare? If your income is limited, apply for Extra Help. Drugs bought with a discount card instead of your plan don’t count toward your plan’s out-of-pocket limit (Medicare.gov).
• No insurance? HRSA-funded health centers charge on a sliding scale based on income. Find one near you.