Flexeril Cyclobenzaprine Hcl: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning

Flexeril is typically used in conjunction with physical therapy or exercise and other forms of treatment for applicable conditions. Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Flexeril is the brand name for Cyclobenzaprine, a prescription muscle relaxer that is similar to a class of Antidepressant drugs called Tricyclic Antidepressants. The generic form was first approved in 1977 and is sold in both immediate and extended release versions.

  • Monitoring of plasma drug levels should not guide management of the patient.
  • Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication.
  • If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
  • You may report side effects to your national health agency.
  • Additionally, Flexeril users may experience mild withdrawal symptoms if the drug is used chronically in high doses.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Flexeril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cyclobenzaprine Dependence and Misuse Potential

Evidence suggests that the net effect of cyclobenzaprine is a reduction of tonic somatic motor activity, influencing both gamma (γ) and alpha (α) motor systems. In patients with CNS depression, early intubation is advised because of the potential for abrupt deterioration. Seizures should be controlled with benzodiazepines or, if these are ineffective, other anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin).

Myositis & Fatigue: Helping Patients Manage Their Symptoms – hss.edu

Myositis & Fatigue: Helping Patients Manage Their Symptoms.

Posted: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Cyclobenzaprine caused slight to moderate increase in heart rate in animals. Acute recovery phase of myocardial infarction, and patients with arrhythmias, heart block or conduction disturbances, or congestive heart failure. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For most patients, the recommended dose of Flexeril is 5 mg three times a day. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, vomiting, fast heartbeats, tremors, agitation, or hallucinations. Do not use Flexeril flexeril tape where to buy if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take.

Legal Conditions and Terms

How cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) works is not well understood, but it helps alleviate stiffness, pain, and discomfort due to sprains, strains, or injuries to muscles. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat fibromyalgia pain. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating.

At oral doses of up to 10 times the human dose, cyclobenzaprine did not adversely affect the reproductive performance or fertility of male or female rats. Cyclobenzaprine did not demonstrate mutagenic activity in the male mouse at dose levels of up to 20 times the human dose. Using drinks containing alcohol can increase your risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and decreased alertness from cyclobenzaprine.

The Differences Between Toradol and Tramadol – Verywell Health

The Differences Between Toradol and Tramadol.

Posted: Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Flexeril is usually taken once daily for only 2 or 3 weeks. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with cyclobenzaprine are listed below.

The extended-release formulation should be administered at the same time each day. The capsule may be swallowed whole, but its contents also may be sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce for immediate consumption without chewing the granules. The patient should rinse their mouth to ensure that they have swallowed all the contents. Cyclobenzaprine reduced or abolished skeletal muscle hyperactivity in several animal models. Animal studies indicate that cyclobenzaprine does not act at the neuromuscular junction or directly on skeletal muscle.

The usual dose is 5–10mg three times daily and treatment for more than 2–3 weeks is not recommended. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. There is also a slight risk that abuse of Cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril can lead to serotonin syndrome.