Muscle pain is common in people. It may happen due to injury, infections, or other diseases. Soma and Tizanidine are two well-known muscle relaxants. These two muscle relaxers are meant for treating acute musculoskeletal pain such as muscle spasms, joint pain, etc. In contrast, they are similar but there are tizanidine vs soma differences.
In this blog, we will discuss the uses, side effects, and precautions to follow while using Soma and Tizanidine medicines.
What is Tizanidine?
This drug is used to manage muscle spasticity, i.e., to relieve the muscles which cause them to be stiff, heavy, and difficult to move. It acts on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and decreases the level of amino acids, such as aspartate and glutamate, which are causes of muscle spasms.
Using Tizanidine medicine for an extended period can cause high blood pressure and increase in heart rate.
What is Soma?
Soma (Carisoprodol) is a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant prescribed for muscle spasms and nocturnal leg cramps. It is likely to cause CNS depression, which may make the patient react differently to pain and result in sleepiness.
Soma can also act as an anxiolytic (antianxiety) and sedative agent. It is because the main substance is meprobamate, i.e., a controlled tranquilizer.
An effect of euphoria is felt on taking Soma medication. On taking more doses of medicine than recommended, risks of withdrawal, and dependence on the drug increase. These characteristics make this drug a Schedule IV controlled substance.
Differences: Tizanidine vs Soma
1) Uses
a) Tizanidine
The medicine is more effective in decreasing muscle spasticity. It is not a controlled substance and the likelihood of an addiction is very less. It gives relief from spasms, cramps, and tight muscles which may be from an effect of multiple sclerosis or injury to the spine.
b) Soma
This is a prescription drug that relaxes the muscle from pain, muscle injury, and spasms. If taken in doses, that exceed the recommended doses by health care experts, Soma can cause sleepiness and giddiness.
The active ingredient in the Soma pill is Carisoprodol, which is a centrally-acting muscle relaxer. It functions within 30 minutes. Carisoprodol inhibits the pain effect from traveling from the affected region to the brain receptor. In this way, it helps to get relief from pain.
2) Dosage Strengths and Doses: tizanidine vs soma
a) Tizanidine
Tizanidine is available in the form of tablets and capsules in three strengths-2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg.
The standard dose of the drug is 4 mg., and the maximum single dose recommended is 16 mg.
b) Soma
Soma pill is available as Soma 250 mg and 350 mg. Beginners can take Soma 350 mg dosage. Depending on the patient’s condition the dose can vary.
Common Side Effects of Soma and Tizanidine Drug
Improper doses and drug interaction are some common reasons for side effects from the Soma pill and Tizanidine drug. These are as follows-
1) Gastrointestinal problems
A patient may face conditions like dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort, and vomiting.
2) Nervous system
- Sedation or sleepiness
- Loss of coordination
- Drowsiness, sensation in arms and legs and seizures
- Hallucinating effects
3) Eye problems
- Blurred vision
- Eye sensitivity to light and increased blinking
4) Skin issues
- Itching or swelling
- White spots on lips or mouth
- Skin ulcers or sores
5) Breathing problems
- Trouble or difficulty in breathing
- Runny nose
Precautions for Soma and Tizanidine Drugs:
a) Common precautions
1)Don’t use alcohol. The effect of drowsiness and dizziness increases on doing so.
2) Pregnant women should avoid the use of this drug as it may have an adverse effect on the newborn.
4) Make sure, the patient is not suffering from kidney, heart disorders, or liver problems.
5) People with high blood pressure should use these painkillers only on the advice of a doctor.
b) Precautions with the use of Soma drug
1) Abuse and Addiction
- As Soma is a CNS stimulant and belongs to the Schedule IV category, it can be addictive and habit-forming.
- Do not discontinue this drug abruptly without talking to your doctor.
2) Sedation effect
- Avoid driving and heavy work, Soma results in sleepiness and may affect work. Reports of accidents involving motor vehicle have been linked with the use of Soma.
3) Dependence
- Sudden discontinuation or considerable dose reduction of the drug, can lead to physical dependence which may further show withdrawal symptoms. The extended use of Soma has resulted in tolerance and physical dependence on the drug.
- Patients face Withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, vomiting, headaches, muscle twitching, anxiety, hallucinations, and psychosis
Conclusion:
Soma is recommended for patients who need a quick relief from muscle injuries, and spasms, and where the interaction with other drugs is minimal. This drug should not be taken in excess as it may produce drowsiness and giddiness.:
For people who need a lower dose of muscle relaxer, Tizanidine is recommended. Here, the drug provides a soothing effect to spasm, cramping, and muscle tightening.
