Compare Norflex vs. Zanaflex

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

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Norflex (orphenadrine)

Prescription only

Zanaflex (tizanidine)

Prescription only
Relaxes your muscles.

Norflex (orphenadrine) can be used for relaxing muscle spasms and it also can relieve pain.

Relaxes your muscles.

Zanaflex (tizanidine) isn't a first-choice treatment for muscle spasticity. Try other options before using this.

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4.3/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforZanaflex
Upsides
  • More effective than placebo for treatment of muscle spasms and nonspecific musculoskeletal pain in the short term.
  • Extended release pills last 12 hours.
  • Available as generic.
  • Relieves muscle spasticity.
  • Available as a generic.
  • Available in a tablet or capsule form. It also comes in a capsule that can be opened and sprinkled in applesauce for people that can't swallow pills.
Downsides
  • Not a first choice treatment for muscle spasms.
  • Norflex (orphenadrine) can make you sleepy or drowsy.
  • At higher doses, Norflex (orphenadrine) can make you confused or hallucinate.
  • Dry mouth and difficulty urinating can happen at higher doses.
  • Pills cannot be crushed and must be swallowed whole.
  • Can't be used in people with glaucoma, certain types of bowel obstruction or peptic ulcers, prostatic hypertrophy, certain urinary problems, cardio-spasm (megaesophagus) and myasthenia gravis.
  • This isn't a first-choice muscle relaxing medication. Other drugs work better and have fewer side effects.
  • Takes over an hour to kick in and only lasts 3 to 6 hours.
  • Zanaflex (tizanidine) can lower blood pressure, so be careful if you are already on a blood pressure medication.
  • Need to be consistent every day in taking this with or without food.
  • Elderly individuals have more side effects when taking Zanaflex (tizanidine).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Extended release pill
  • Pill
  • Injection
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$22.88
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Lowest price
$7.79
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
26 reviews so far
81%
saidit'sworth it
73%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Norflex (orphenadrine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
17possible side effects
  • Dry mouth
    49%
  • Sleepiness
    48%
  • Weakness
    41%
  • Dizziness
    16%
  • Urinary tract infection
    10%
  • General infection
    6%
  • Liver test abnormality
    6%
  • Constipation
    4%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Speech disorder
    3%
  • Blurred vision
    3%
  • Urinary frequency
    3%
  • Flu syndrome
    3%
  • Involuntary muscle movement
    3%
  • Nervousness
    3%
  • Sore throat
    3%
  • Hay fever
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Sleepiness and dizziness
    • Taking other medications that also cause sleepiness
    • Recreational drug use
    • Excessive alcohol use
  • Abuse, dependence and withdrawal
    • Prior history of drug abuse
  • Heart problems
    • History of fast or irregular heartbeat
    • History of heart failure or other heart problems
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Liver damage
    • Taking maximum doses of Zanaflex (tizanidine)
  • Dizziness and low blood pressure
    • Age 65 years or older
    • Currently on blood pressure control medications
  • Sleepiness and driving impairment
    • Taking other medications that also cause sleepiness
    • Recreational drug use
    • Excessive alcohol use
    • Elderly
  • Withdrawal side effects
    • Stopping Zanaflex (tizanidine) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Norflex (orphenadrine)
Learn more about Zanaflex (tizanidine)