Tizanidine vs cyclobenzaprine: muscle relaxants compared
Tizanidine (Zanaflex) treats muscle spasticity from conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury; cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) treats short-term muscle spasms from strains. Tizanidine can lower blood pressure and has dangerous interactions with ciprofloxacin and fluvoxamine.
Updated October 4, 2026
At a glance
- Approved for
- Tizanidine
- Spasticity
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Short-term muscle spasm with acute pain
- How it works
- Tizanidine
- Alpha-2 agonist acting on the spinal cord
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Acts in the brainstem; related to tricyclic antidepressants
- Main cautions
- Tizanidine
- Low blood pressure, liver tests, dangerous interactions
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Drowsiness, dry mouth, serotonin interactions
- Stopping
- Tizanidine
- Taper; stopping suddenly can raise blood pressure
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Usually stopped after a short course
- Generic
- Tizanidine
- Yes
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Yes
Tizanidine Zanaflex | Cyclobenzaprine Flexeril, Amrix | |
|---|---|---|
| Approved for | Spasticity | Short-term muscle spasm with acute pain |
| How it works | Alpha-2 agonist acting on the spinal cord | Acts in the brainstem; related to tricyclic antidepressants |
| Main cautions | Low blood pressure, liver tests, dangerous interactions | Drowsiness, dry mouth, serotonin interactions |
| Stopping | Taper; stopping suddenly can raise blood pressure | Usually stopped after a short course |
| Generic | Yes | Yes |
Different purposes
Tizanidine reduces the stiffness and spasms of spasticity, a long-term problem in conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, and is often taken as needed for daily activities. Cyclobenzaprine is meant for a few weeks to ease spasms from back or neck strains, alongside rest and other measures.
Tizanidine cautions
Tizanidine can cause low blood pressure, drowsiness and dry mouth, and liver tests are checked. It must not be taken with ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine, which raise its levels drastically, and birth control pills also raise them. Take it the same way each time with regard to food, because food changes absorption, and taper it rather than stopping suddenly.
Cyclobenzaprine cautions
Cyclobenzaprine commonly causes drowsiness and dry mouth, must not be taken with an MAOI, and can cause serotonin syndrome with tramadol or serotonin-affecting antidepressants. It is generally avoided in older adults and in people with heart rhythm problems.
Driving and alcohol
Both impair alertness, and alcohol and other sedatives add to the effect, so avoid driving until you know how they affect you.
Cost
Both are inexpensive generics. Tizanidine tablets and capsules are not interchangeable without your prescriber’s advice, because they are absorbed differently with food.
Missed doses
Take a missed dose when you remember unless the next one is near, and never double up. If you have taken tizanidine regularly and need to stop, ask your prescriber how to reduce it gradually.
Questions for your prescriber
- Is my problem spasticity or a short-term spasm?
- Do any of my medicines interact with tizanidine?
- How should I stop it when the time comes?
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Sources
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for you or your pet; your prescriber decides which medicine is right.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.