Soma Vs Tizanidine is a comprehensive comparison of two of the most popular muscle relaxers of 2023. Their medical use has been approved by the FDA, and acts within 30 minutes of use.
If you have been suffering from acute skeletomuscular body pain for some time now, you must have come across Tizanidine and Soma pills. Tizanidine vs. Soma is an interesting debate, to say the least, as they both have similar benefits and potency in treating body pain.
So, if you are curious about which muscle relaxer is the best for you, this comparison guide is for you.
The Soma vs. Tizanidine blog compares two of the most popular muscle relaxers. Both of these analgesics have a profound pharmaceutical legacy with mainstream customer acceptance. So, let us evaluate which among Soma Vs. Tizanidine is the best muscle relaxer for the year 2023.
Tizanidine Vs Soma- An Overview
Soma pill is a popular Carisoprodol brand commonly prescribed for treating short-term acute pain. It is available as Soma 500 mg and 350mg tablets with a recommended dose of three to four pills a day.
Whereas, Tizanidine is an FDA-approved muscle relaxer prescribed for treating spasticity. It is popularly available under the brand name Zanaflex.
Similarities And Differences
While Soma and Tizanidine (Zanaflex) are similar, you should know a few striking differences between the two muscle relaxants.
A few prevalent similarities and differences between the two muscle relaxer is listed below [1,2].
|
Characteristics |
Tizanidine / Zanaflex |
Soma Pill |
|---|---|---|
|
Generic name |
Tizanidine |
Carisoprodol |
|
Brand name |
Zanaflex |
Soma Pill |
|
Manufacturer |
Unichem Pharmaceuticals |
HAB Pharmaceuticals |
|
FDA approval |
Yes, in the year 2002. |
Yes, in the year 1959. |
|
Legal status |
|
|
|
Class of drug |
Muscle relaxant |
Muscle relaxant |
|
Structural differences |
|
|
|
Composition |
The Zanaflex tablets contain tizanidine hydrochloride as the active compound. The other inactive compounds present in the analgesic formulation are stearic acid, silicon dioxide colloidal, anhydrous lactose, and microcrystalline cellulose. |
The Soma pill is composed of Carisoprodol and aspirin as the active compound. The inactive components of the pill include microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Yellow #6, povidone, and starch. |
|
Pill Identification |
The Tizanidine Hydrochloride pill is a round white pill with a U 169 imprint on one side of the tablet [3]. |
The Soma pill is a white round pill. Based on the manufacturing company, the imprint on the tablet may vary. The Soma 2410 v pill is a 350mg tablet manufactured by Vintage pharmaceuticals [4]. |
Carisoprodol Vs Tizanidine- Working Mechanism
Soma pill
Carisoprodol, the active compound present in the formulation of the Soma pill, is a centrally-acting muscle relaxer that works within 30 minutes of intake. Following an administration, Carisoprodol is metabolized in the liver to form meprobamate.
Meprobamate plays a crucial role in contributing to its analgesic abilities and has a longer half-life than Carisoprodol. The muscle relaxer works by blocking the pain stimulation from traveling from the affected region to the brain receptor, thus helping get relief from pain.
Tizanidine
Tizanidine is a muscle relaxer that helps reduce muscle spasticity by acting on the central nervous system. It causes a reduction in amino acids such as aspartate and glutamate, which is responsible for muscle spasms.
Soma Vs Tizanidine- Dosage And Administration
Soma and Tizanidine are available as oral tablets. The correct administration of the medications maintains their effectiveness and lowers the risk of side effects.
The dosage and administration guidelines for taking these muscle relaxant is mentioned below.
|
Soma pill |
Zanaflex |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Dosages/Strength |
Soma pill is available as Soma 350mg and 500 mg. |
The Tizanidine tablet has three strengths- 2mg, 4mg, and 6mg. |
|
Standard dose |
The Soma dosage recommended for beginners is 350mg which can be gradually increased to 500mg if needed. |
The standard dose of Zanaflex is 4mg. |
|
Maximum dose |
The maximum Soma dosage advised a day is 1400mg. |
Do not take more than 36mg in a day. The maximum single dose that is recommended is 16 mg. |
|
Dose Interval |
The dose gap of 5 to 6 hours should be maintained. |
Maintain a dose gap of 6 to 8 hours. |
|
Overdosing |
Not advisable |
Not advisable |
Soma Pill Administration
- Duration of therapy: 3 continuous weeks.
- Do not discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
- The Soma pill must be swallowed with water without being broken or crushed.
- Long-term use of the muscle relaxer can cause dependency.
- A heavy meal can affect the metabolic activity of the medication; thus, it is advised to have a light meal before or after the intake of the Soma pill.
Tizanidine Pill Administration
- The Zanaflex pill can be taken with or without food. However, this regime should be maintained till the end of the treatment.
- Before completely discontinuing the medication, the dose of the muscle relaxer should be lowered to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- The Tizanidine pill should be taken by mouth as a whole.
- Long-term use of the muscle relaxer is not recommended.
Tizanidine High Vs Soma- A Study On Their Abuse Potency
Drugs that offer a depressant effect are often used recreationally for their euphoric high. Thus, centrally acting muscle relaxers such as Tizanidine and Soma pills are often abused.
Tizanidine can be addictive like most prescription medications. Some people deliberately misuse the muscle relaxer, whereas others may develop an addiction from long-term use.
In higher doses, Tizanidine can induce a sedative and drowsy feeling, making it common for abuse. Prolonged use and abuse symptoms may include Tachycardia, Hypertension, and Spasticity. However, symptoms may be hard to be identified in people with short-term abuse. Long-term abuse can result in urination problems, sporadic muscle movements, abnormal liver function, and chronic runny nose and sore throat.
The sedating effect of the Soma pill on the central nervous system is a major cause for its abuse potential. The Soma muscle relaxer can be taken with numerous other compounds to enhance its sedative effect. When co-administered with opioids, it is often referred to as the “Houston Cocktail,” which can provide similar results as heroin. Long-term use of the Soma pill is not advisable. It can increase the risk of dependency and addiction in users. Sudden discontinuation of the muscle relaxer can cause withdrawal symptoms and thus should follow the tapering off method.
Zanaflex Vs Soma- Drug Interaction
When two or more medicines are taken together, they can interact to lower the effectiveness of the pill or increase the risk of side effects. Thus, it is advisable to refrain from co-administering two or more medicines simultaneously.
The common medications that should not be taken with the Soma pill and Zanaflex are listed below.
The Zanaflex drug is known to interact with 589 medicines, whereas Soma can interact with about 348 medications. Thus, a few drugs that should not be taken with Zanaflex are mentioned below. However, this is not a complete list of all possible drug interactions [5,6].
|
Drug Interaction of Soma pill and U 169 Zanaflex pill |
|
|---|---|
|
Zanaflex Pill |
Soma Pill |
|
Acebutolol |
Alfentanil |
|
Benazepril |
Buprenorphine |
|
Captopril |
Codeine |
|
Doxazosin |
Dezocine |
|
Enalaprilat |
Esketamine |
|
Fenoldopam |
Fentanyl |
|
Grepafloxacin |
Hydrocodone |
|
Hydromorphone |
Ketamine |
|
Indapamide |
Levorphanol |
|
Labetalol |
Meperidine |
|
Olmesartan |
Propoxyphene |
|
Selpercatinib |
Remifentanil |
|
Trichlormethiazide |
Sufentanil |
|
Valsartan |
Tramadol |
Precaution And Warning
Preventive measures must be followed before consuming both Soma and U 169 Zanaflex pills to avoid any possible side effects from the muscle relaxers.
- Elderly people above the age of 65 years are not advised to take the medication without a prescription.
- People with high pressure are not advised to take the analgesics without consulting a doctor.
- Soma pills or 111 pill and Zanaflex are not recommended to be taken with alcohol as they may increase the risk of being drowsy and dizzy.
- The operation of heavy machinery or driving after using the muscle relaxer is not advisable due to its ability to cause sedation.
- Pregnant and lactating women should avoid administering the medications as they may affect the growth and health of the infant.
- Before using the muscle relaxer, ensure you do not suffer from kidney, liver, or heart disorders.
- Inform your physician about the administration of the medication before undergoing surgery.
Carisoprodol Vs Tizanidine- Side Effects
Improper dosing, administration, and drug interaction are a few common reasons for one to suffer from side effects from the Soma pill and Tizanidine. This is, however, not a complete list of all their possible side effects [7,8].
|
Side Effect |
Soma Pill |
Tizanidine |
|---|---|---|
|
Cardiovascular Signs |
Postural hypotension, Tachycardia, chest pain, irregular heartbeat or pulse, and facial flushing. |
Slow heartbeat, heartburn. |
|
Gastrointestinal issue |
Vomiting, Nausea, Dry mouth, Diarrhea, Constipation, tarry stools, and epigastric discomfort. |
Dry mouth, Constipation, Liver test abnormality, Vomiting, nausea, stomach pain. |
|
Central Nervous System issues |
Dizziness, seizures, Drowsiness, confusion, vertigo, headache, ataxia, irritability, agitation, tremor, depressive reactions, insomnia, and syncope. |
Dizziness, Nervousness, drowsiness, tingling sensation in the arms and legs, uncontrolled muscle movement. |
|
Hematologic disorders |
Pancytopenia, Leukopenia. |
|
|
General Side effects |
Swollen glands, chills, unusual tiredness. |
Flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, lack of energy. |
|
Eye issues |
Uncontrolled eye movements, blurred vision, Difficulty moving the eyes, increased blinking, the sensitivity of the eyes to light. |
Changes in vision, yellowing of the eye. |
|
Dermatological issues |
Pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, ulcers, sores, and white spots on the lips or in the mouth. |
Yellowing of the skin, rash, itching/swelling. |
|
Respiratory Troubles |
Shortness of breath, cough. |
Trouble breathing, runny nose. |
Appearance or worsening of any of these conditions should be reported to a physician. Your doctor may recommend a lower dose or discontinue the medication based on your condition.
U 169 Vs. Soma- Our Final Thought
We can summarize our Zanaflex U 169 Vs. Soma pill; Carisoprodol is advised for people who require a higher dose for pain relief. It is also less likely to interact with most drugs and has a faster onset of action. On the contrary, Zanaflex is prescribed to people who need a lower dose of the muscle relaxer. It is, however, more prone to cause drug interaction and takes 60 minutes to start acting.
|
Soma pill |
|
|---|---|
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Has 30 minutes of onset of action. |
Long-term use is not recommended as it can cause dependency. |
|
The recommended dose is three to four times a day; however, it also works well if taken only when needed. |
Sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal signs. |
|
It is an affordable pain medication. |
It can cause side effects, but they are mostly mild and not life-threatening. |
|
Higher user reviews and ratings. |
|
|
Lower risk of a drug interaction. |
|
|
Tizanidine |
|
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Available in lower doses. |
It has a slower onset of action compared to the Soma pill and begins to act within 60 minutes of administration. |
|
It is available as capsules and tablets. |
Prolonged use can cause addiction and dependency. |
|
The pill can be taken three to four times a day. |
Abrupt discontinuation of the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms. |
|
Dependency potential is low. |
Zanaflex can cause side effects and thus should be taken with caution. |
|
It can drop the blood pressure of the user. |
|
|
Higher risk of a drug interaction. |
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