Generic Name: Cyclobenzaprine
Typical Brand Name(s): Flexeril
What Is It Used For?
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant most commonly prescribed to relieve
muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as sprains, strains,
or pulls. In conjunction with an overall health plan, rest and
physical therapy, Flexeril provides relief of muscular stiffness
and pain.
How Is It Used?
Take exactly as prescribed by your physician. Flexeril may be
taken with or without food. Flexeril should be used only for short
periods (no more than 3 weeks). Flexeril may cause dry mouth.
Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or melting ice chips in your
mouth can provide temporary relief.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Flexeril. More common
side effects may include: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth Less
common or rare side effects may include: Abnormal heartbeats,
abnormal sensations, abnormal thoughts or dreams, aggressive behavior,
agitation, anxiety, bloated feeling, blurred vision, confusion,
constipation, convulsions, decreased appetite, depressed mood,
diarrhea, difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty speaking,
disorientation, double vision, excitement, fainting, fatigue,
fluid retention, hallucinations, headache, heartburn, hepatitis,
hives, increased heart rate, indigestion, inflammation of the
stomach, lack of coordination, liver diseases, low blood pressure,
nausea, nervousness, palpitations, paranoia, rash, ringing in
the ears, severe allergic reaction, stomach and intestinal pain,
sweating, swelling of the tongue or face, thirst, tingling in
hands or feet, tremors, urinating more or less than usual, vertigo,
vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin. Problems such as confusion
or hallucinations are more likely in older adults.
Is It Safe?
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. It is not known if Flexeril appears in breast milk.
However, Flexeril is related to tricyclic antidepressants, and
some of those drugs do appear in breast milk. If this medication
is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue
breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is completed.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Flexeril. Serious, potentially
fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril with an antidepressant
drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil, Parnate) or if
it has been less than 2 weeks since you last took an MAO inhibitor.
You should closely follow your doctor's advice regarding discontinuation
of MAO inhibitors before taking Flexeril. If Flexeril is taken
with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased,
decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with
your doctor before combining Flexeril with the following: Barbiturates
such as phenobarbital Guanethidine and other high blood pressure
drugs that slow the central nervous system, such as Halcion and
Xanax Tramadol (Ultram).
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if
it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses
(or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Flexeril is
used to relieve pain, tenderness, and limitation of motion caused
by muscle spasms. It is used, along with rest and physical therapy,
for short-term treatment (i.e., 2 to 3 weeks).
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
