Combining Fentanyl and Metaxalone is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
Patients may experience increased sedation, dizziness, confusion, and impaired coordination. The most serious clinical effect is respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. Other effects include hypotension, syncope, and coma.
Mechanism: Both fentanyl, an opioid analgesic, and metaxalone, a centrally acting muscle relaxant, exert central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects. When co-administered, their individual CNS depressant actions are additive, leading to an increased risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, and psychomotor impairment. This interaction primarily involves their respective effects on GABAergic and opioid receptors in the brain.
Fentanyl vs. Metaxalone
Compare Fentanyl and Metaxalone: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Fentanyl | Metaxalone |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Opioid Analgesics | Skeletal Muscle Relaxants |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $150–$600/month | $200–$500/month |
Fentanyl Overview
FENTANYL (brand name: FENTANYL) is a Opioid Analgesics. 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fentanyl transdermal system is indicated for the management of severe and persistent pain in opioid-tolerant patients, that requires an opioid analgesic and that cannot be adequately treated with alternative options, including immediate-release opioids. Patients considered…
Full Fentanyl guide →Metaxalone Overview
Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant used to relieve discomfort from acute, painful muscle and bone conditions. While its exact action isn't fully understood, it's thought to help by causing a calming effect. It's typically used alongside rest and physical therapy to help patients feel better.
Full Metaxalone guide →How Each Drug Works
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opioid agonist. Fentanyl interacts predominately with the opioid mu-receptor. These mu-binding sites are distributed in the human brain, spinal cord, and other tissues.
Metaxalone
Metaxalone’s mechanism of action has not been fully characterized, but may be related to its sedative properties. Metaxalone has no direct action on the contractile mechanism of striated muscle, the motor end plate, or the nerve fiber.
Approved Uses (Indications)
Fentanyl
Fentanyl transdermal system is indicated for the management of severe and persistent pain in opioid-tolerant patients, that requires an opioid analgesic and that cannot be adequately treated with alternative options, including immediate-release opioids. Patients considered opioid-tolerant are those who are taking, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg morphine per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg oral oxycodone per day, 8 mg oral hydromorphone per day, 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another op…
Metaxalone
Metaxalone tablets are indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older. Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomforts associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older.
Side Effects
Fentanyl
Metaxalone
Cost Comparison
Fentanyl
$150–$600/month
As a brand-only medication, fentanyl can be expensive. Patients should check for manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs, and compare prices at different pharmacies using discount cards.
Metaxalone
$200–$500/month
Since Metaxalone is only available as a brand-name drug, consider using manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs to reduce costs. Discount cards like GoodRx may also offer some savings.
Compare prices for Fentanyl and Metaxalone
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.