Compare baclofen vs. Flexeril

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Lioresal (baclofen)

Prescription only

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)

Prescription only
Relaxes your muscles.

Lioresal (baclofen) is a first choice treatment for muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, but it's not recommended for other types of muscle spasms.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 33 reviewsforbaclofen
Relaxes your muscles.

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is widely used to treat muscle spasms and is available as a generic, but it shouldn't be used long-term.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1064 reviewsforFlexeril
Upsides
  • A better option for seniors compared to other muscle relaxants since it has fewer side effects than other similar medicines.
  • Lioresal (baclofen) is available as a generic and is a relatively inexpensive medication.
  • Can relieve pain associated with muscle spasms.
  • Available as a generic medication.
  • Can be used by pregnant women, but talk to your doctor about it first.
Downsides
  • Except for specific muscle spasms caused by brain injury or multiple sclerosis, Lioresal (baclofen) is not a recommended medicine.
  • If you've been taking Lioresal (baclofen) regularly for a long time, you'll need to get off of it slowly.
  • Lioresal (baclofen) can make you sleepy.
  • If you've had a stroke, Lioresal (baclofen) may not work as well, and you're more likely to experience side effects.
  • Can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
  • Not meant for long-term therapy.
  • Not recommended in elderly patients, people with glaucoma, or in people with heart conditions (like rhythm problems, heart failure, or recent heart attack).
  • Can make you have dry mouth.
  • Not effective for muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$13.64
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Lowest price
$213.56
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Reviews
33 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Lioresal (baclofen)?

Leave a review
1064 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
37%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
1possible side effects
  • Drowsiness
    63%
See more detailed side effects
4possible side effects
  • Dry mouth
    6%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Fatigue
    3%
  • Nausea
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Withdrawal symptoms
    • Stopping Lioresal (baclofen) too quickly
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
    • Age 65 or greater
  • Seizures
    • Higher dose
    • Using other medicines that can cause seizures
    • History of seizures
    • Alcoholism
    • Eating disorders
    • Brain infections
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
    • Taking other medications for your mood
  • Dizziness and sleepiness
    • Alcohol or drug use
    • Age over 65 years
  • Heart attack or stroke
    • Recent heart attack
    • Heart rhythm problems
    • Heart failure
  • Dehydration
    • Older than 65 years
    • Dehydration
  • Overactive Thyroid
    • Overactive thyroid
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Lioresal (baclofen)
Learn more about Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)