When You Can't Find Soma: Alternative Muscle Relaxants

If you've been prescribed Soma (Carisoprodol) but can't find it at your pharmacy, you're probably wondering what other options are available. The good news is that several alternative muscle relaxants can help manage acute musculoskeletal pain.

Important: Never switch medications on your own. Always talk to your doctor before changing from Soma to another muscle relaxant. Each of these medications works differently and may not be right for everyone.

Top Alternatives to Soma

1. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Cyclobenzaprine is the most commonly prescribed muscle relaxant in the United States and is often the first alternative doctors suggest when Soma isn't available.

• How it works: Reduces muscle spasm through action in the central nervous system, structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants
• Typical dose: 5-10 mg three times daily
• Pros: Widely available, not a controlled substance, well-studied, inexpensive generic
• Cons: Can cause significant drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness; not recommended for long-term use or in elderly patients
• Controlled substance? No
• Availability: Excellent — stocked at virtually every pharmacy

2. Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Methocarbamol is a well-tolerated muscle relaxant that many doctors consider a safer alternative to Soma.

• How it works: Acts on the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasm; exact mechanism not fully understood
• Typical dose: 750-1500 mg four times daily initially, then reduced
• Pros: Good safety profile, not a controlled substance, less sedating than Soma for many patients, affordable generic
• Cons: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea; some patients find it less effective than Soma
• Controlled substance? No
• Availability: Excellent — widely available at all pharmacies

3. Tizanidine (Zanaflex)

Tizanidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works differently from Soma but can be very effective for muscle spasm and spasticity.

• How it works: Reduces spasticity by increasing presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons at the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor
• Typical dose: 2-8 mg up to three times daily (max 36 mg/day)
• Pros: Effective for both acute muscle spasm and chronic spasticity, not a controlled substance in most states
• Cons: Can cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, dry mouth; requires liver function monitoring; significant drug interactions (especially with CYP1A2 inhibitors like Ciprofloxacin)
• Controlled substance? No (though some states treat it differently)
• Availability: Good — widely available as generic

4. Baclofen (Lioresal)

Baclofen is a GABA-B receptor agonist primarily used for spasticity but sometimes prescribed for acute muscle spasm.

• How it works: Activates GABA-B receptors in the spinal cord, reducing nerve signals that cause muscle tightness
• Typical dose: 5-20 mg three times daily
• Pros: Effective for spasticity, available as generic, well-understood mechanism
• Cons: Can cause drowsiness and weakness; must be tapered slowly — stopping suddenly can cause seizures; may not be as effective for acute musculoskeletal pain as Soma
• Controlled substance? No
• Availability: Good — widely available

5. Metaxalone (Skelaxin)

Metaxalone is often considered one of the least sedating muscle relaxants, making it a good option for patients who need to stay alert during the day.

• How it works: Centrally acting muscle relaxant; exact mechanism unclear
• Typical dose: 800 mg three to four times daily
• Pros: Less sedating than many alternatives, not a controlled substance
• Cons: Can be more expensive than other options, requires liver function monitoring, may not be as potent
• Controlled substance? No
• Availability: Good — available as generic, though pricier than Cyclobenzaprine or Methocarbamol

6. Orphenadrine (Norflex)

Orphenadrine is an older muscle relaxant with anticholinergic properties.

• How it works: Centrally acting with anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects
• Typical dose: 100 mg twice daily
• Pros: Effective for some types of muscle pain, available as generic
• Cons: Anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention); not ideal for elderly patients; can interact with many other medications
• Controlled substance? No
• Availability: Fair — available but less commonly stocked than Cyclobenzaprine

How Do These Alternatives Compare to Soma?

The biggest difference between Soma and most of its alternatives is that Soma is a Schedule IV controlled substance, while most alternatives are not. This means the alternatives are generally easier to prescribe, fill, and refill.

In terms of effectiveness, patient experiences vary. Some people find Cyclobenzaprine or Methocarbamol works just as well as Soma. Others prefer Soma's specific effects. Your doctor can help you find the right fit based on your medical history, other medications you take, and your specific condition.

Non-Medication Approaches

While you're working with your doctor to find the right medication, consider these complementary approaches to managing musculoskeletal pain:

• Physical therapy: Often the most effective long-term treatment for muscle pain
• Heat and ice therapy: Simple but effective for acute pain and spasm
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen can help with inflammation and pain
• Gentle stretching: Can help relieve muscle tension and improve mobility
• Massage therapy: May provide temporary relief from muscle spasm

What to Tell Your Doctor

If you need to switch from Soma to an alternative, here's what to discuss with your doctor:

• Why Soma isn't available (so they understand it's a supply issue, not a preference change)
• Your complete medication list (to check for interactions with the new medication)
• Any past experience with other muscle relaxants
• Your daily activities and whether sedation is a concern (for example, if you drive or operate machinery)
• Whether you're using Soma on a short-term or ongoing basis

Still Want to Try Finding Soma?

If you'd prefer to stick with Soma, don't give up yet. Check out our guide on how to find Soma in stock near you, or use MedFinder to search for pharmacies with current availability. You can also read the latest Soma shortage update for 2026.

For information about Soma's side effects and safety, see our guide on Soma side effects: what to expect. And for details about how the drug works, check out how Soma works.