Can you take cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together?

In this article:

• Can you take cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together?
• Considerations when taking cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together
• Is cyclobenzaprine or meloxicam better?
• Cyclobenzaprine vs. meloxicam: Comparison chart

In this article

• Can you take cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together?
• Considerations when taking cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together
• Is cyclobenzaprine or meloxicam better?
• Cyclobenzaprine vs. meloxicam: Comparison chart

If you have ever thrown out your back, your healthcare provider may have prescribed medication—or a combination of medications—to get you moving again. Two popularly prescribed medications for this use, as well as other conditions that cause pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms, are cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam. Both drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but for different uses. 

Cyclobenzaprine is classified in a group of drugs called skeletal muscle relaxants. It works on the central nervous system (not directly on the muscle) for short-term treatment of muscle spasms. It also decreases pain and tenderness and improves range of motion. Cyclobenzaprine is most commonly available in generic, immediate-release form. Although it is commonly referred to by the brand name Flexeril, that brand is no longer available. There is also an extended-release form of cyclobenzaprine called Amrix. 

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps with pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other conditions that cause pain and swelling. Meloxicam works by decreasing prostaglandins, which are substances that cause pain and inflammation. It is also known by the brand name Mobic, which is no longer available. 

If you are experiencing pain and inflammation, especially if it is interfering with your daily life, you may want to know if you can take cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together. This article will explain whether you can combine these drugs, as well as other important information and considerations regarding cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam.

Can you take cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together?

Yes, you can combine cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam, but only if prescribed by a healthcare provider. There are various considerations that apply to each medication, so you will need a healthcare professional to evaluate whether both drugs are safe for you to take individually as well as together.

Considerations when taking cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together

The most important thing to do in determining whether you can take cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together is to consult a healthcare provider for medical advice, even if you have been prescribed each drug separately on different occasions. Even though cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam do not chemically interact with each other, there is a possibility that one or both drugs may interact with another medication you take. Always tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as all of the medications you take, including:

• Prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
• Vitamins 
• Dietary supplements

Clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Family Physicians note that cyclobenzaprine is the most studied muscle relaxant and can be effective for conditions that involve muscle spasms. What’s more, the sedative effects can help those who cannot sleep due to pain and spasms. However, despite their popularity, these guidelines note that muscle relaxants are not better than Tylenol (acetaminophen) or NSAIDs for low back pain. Experts recommend using muscle relaxants as an alternative, short-term treatment if Tylenol or NSAIDs (like meloxicam) are not tolerated or do not provide enough relief. Muscle relaxants may also be more helpful when combined with other measures, such as rest and physical therapy. 

If your healthcare provider recommends taking both cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together, be sure you know how to take each medication. Follow the instructions on your medication label, and check with your pharmacist if you have any questions. There are some important points to be aware of regarding how to take each medication. For example, cyclobenzaprine interacts with alcohol—so you should avoid alcohol, and do not drive or operate machinery until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you. Meloxicam also interacts with alcohol, as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Is cyclobenzaprine or meloxicam better?

While cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam may be used separately or together to treat similar conditions, the two drugs are not the same. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant, which helps with muscle spasms, while meloxicam is an NSAID, which is more geared toward pain and inflammation. Therefore, we cannot really compare the two drugs directly as they are not the same, and there are various factors for a healthcare provider to consider when determining which medication is better—and whether both medications should be used together. The table below summarizes some important information about both drugs.

Bottom line

You can take cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam together, but only under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Always follow dosage instructions for each medication, and read the Medication Guide provided by the pharmacy with your prescription. The Medication Guide will alert you to important information, such as precautions and possible adverse effects. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice before combining cyclobenzaprine and meloxicam, even if you have taken them individually before.