How does tizanidine differ from Soma? (3+ differences)

In this article, we will discuss the differences between tizanidine and Soma. Tizanidine is a generic name for a muscle relaxant, while Soma is a brand name for the drug carisoprodol which is also a muscle relaxant. Tizanidine and Soma are different in several aspects. 

How does tizanidine differ from Soma? 

Tizanidine and Soma differ in their mechanism of action, indications, side effects, dosage forms, potential for abuse, and some other aspects.

Tizanidine is a generic name for a muscle relaxant, while Soma is a brand name and contains carisoprodol. 

Tizanidine is classified as a centrally-acting alpha-2 receptor agonist. It is used to relax stiff or rigid muscles or spasticity which can occur as a result of injury to the spinal cord, brain, or multiple sclerosis (1). 

Soma contains carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, utilized for musculoskeletal conditions. Although it is labeled as a muscle relaxant, the parent compound is classified as a tranquilizer while its metabolite meprobamate is a benzodiazepine (2): 

Tizanidine and Soma both are muscle relaxants and differ in several aspects. They are not advised to be used together. Your healthcare provider may prescribe tizanidine or Soma based on your condition and individual characteristics. 

What are the differences between tizanidine and Soma?

Tizanidine and Soma differ in the following aspects: 

Mechanism of action: 

Tizanidine targets the alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system. It blocks the release of excitatory amino acids like glutamate and aspartate which are involved in neuronal activity and responsible for spasms (1). 

The exact mechanism of muscle relaxant action of Soma is not known. The therapeutic action is assumed to be produced via changes in interneuronal activity in the spinal cord and the brain’s descending reticular formation (2). 

Therapeutic indications: 

Therapeutic uses of tizanidine and Soma are as follows: 

Side effects: 

Side effects of tizanidine include the following (1): 

• feeling drowsy
• blurred vision
• weakness
• constipation
• abnormal movements
• feeling anxious
• hallucinations
• rhinitis
• dry mouth
• lightheadedness 

Side effects of Soma include (2): 

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• headache
• hypotension
• tremors
• restlessness
• irritability
• nausea
• vomiting 

Controlled substance: 

Tizanidine is not a controlled substance and it does not show up on a drug test. Tizanidine is not known to cause addiction but it can cause physical dependence as it results in withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly (1). 

Soma is a schedule IV controlled substance and its abuse potential is due to its interaction with GABA receptors. Thus, it can result in addiction therefore it should not be used for more than three weeks (2). 

Dosage forms: 

Tizanidine is available in capsules and tablets in the following strengths (1): 

tablets: 2mg and 4 mg

capsules: 2mg, 4mg, and 6 mg 

Soma is available in tablets in the strengths of 250mg and 350mg. 

Can you take tizanidine and Soma together? 

Tizanidine and Soma should not be used together as using more than one muscle relaxant increases the risk of CNS depression (3). Concomitant use of these drugs will have an additive effect and amplify the shared side effects. 

Taking these medications together can increase the side effects like sedation, drowsiness, confusion, and altered mental status. Thus, the medications should not be used together

In my experience:

In my perspective, tizanidine and Soma are different drugs. Tizanidine is a generic name for a muscle relaxant while Soma is a brand name for carisoprodol which is also a muscle relaxant. 

Tizanidine and Soma differ based on their mechanism of action, indications, side effects, and classification. Soma is a controlled substance while tizanidine is not a controlled substance. These drugs should not be used together due to additive effects. 

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