Combining Metaxalone and Methadone is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
Patients may experience profound sedation, dizziness, and impaired psychomotor function, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. The most serious clinical effect is an increased risk of respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. Other effects include mental confusion, hypotension, and syncope.
Mechanism: Both methadone, an opioid analgesic, and metaxalone, a centrally acting muscle relaxant, exert depressant effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The co-administration of these agents leads to an additive pharmacological effect, intensifying CNS depression. This interaction primarily involves their respective actions on neurotransmitter systems that modulate brain activity, resulting in synergistic inhibition.
Metaxalone vs. Methadone
Compare Metaxalone and Methadone: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Drug A
Metaxalone
Metaxalone
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
RxDrug B
Methadone
Methadone Hydrochloride
Opioid Analgesics
RxQuick Comparison
| Category | Metaxalone | Methadone |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Skeletal Muscle Relaxants | Opioid Analgesics |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $200–$500/month | $15–$60/month |
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 →Methadone Overview
METHADONE (brand name: Methadone Hydrochloride) is a Opioid Analgesics. 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Methadone hydrochloride tablets is indicated for the: Management of severe and persistent pain that requires an opioid analgesic and that cannot be adequately treated with alternative options, including immediate-release opioids. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of…
Full Methadone guide →How Each Drug Works
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.
Methadone
Methadone hydrochloride is a mu-agonist; a synthetic opioid with multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of morphine, the most prominent of which involves the central nervous system and organs composed of smooth muscle. The principal therapeutic uses for methadone are for analgesia and for detoxification or maintenance in opioid addiction. The methadone withdrawal syndrome, although qualitatively similar to that of morphine, differs in that the onset is slower, t…
Approved Uses (Indications)
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.
Methadone
Methadone hydrochloride tablets is indicated for the: Management of severe and persistent pain that requires an opioid analgesic and that cannot be adequately treated with alternative options, including immediate-release opioids. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ], reserve opioid analgesics, including methadone hydrochloride tablets, for use in patients for whom alternative analgesic treatment opti…
Side Effects
Metaxalone
Methadone
Cost Comparison
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.
Methadone
$15–$60/month
Generic methadone is very affordable, especially with discount cards like GoodRx. Many pharmacies offer low-cost programs for this medication.
Compare prices for Metaxalone and Methadone
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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.