Brand names: Flexeril
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as sprains, strains, or pulls. Combined with rest and physical therapy, Flexeril provides relief of muscular stiffness and pain.
Flexeril is not a substitute for the physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor orders for proper healing. Although Flexeril relieves the pain of strains and sprains, it is not useful for other types of pain.
Flexeril may be taken with or without food.
Flexeril should be used only for short periods (no more than 3 weeks). Since the type of injury that Flexeril treats should improve in a few weeks, there is no reason to use it for a longer period.
Flexeril may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or melting ice chips in your mouth can provide temporary relief.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Flexeril.
You should not take Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride if you are taking an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine) or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 2 weeks. Also avoid Flexeril if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if your thyroid gland is overactive.
In addition, you should not take Flexeril if you have recently had a heart attack or if you have congestive heart failure, or suffer from irregular heartbeat.
Flexeril may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride affects you.
You should use Flexeril with caution if you have ever been unable to urinate or if you have ever had the eye condition called glaucoma.
Serious, potentially fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril with an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine) 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.
Avoid alcoholic beverages while 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 phenobarbitalGuanethidine and other high blood pressure drugsOther drugs that slow the central nervous system, such as alprazolam and triazolamTramadolThe effects of Flexeril during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if Flexeril appears in breast milk. However, cyclobenzaprine is related to tricyclic antidepressants, and some of those drugs do appear in breast milk. If Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
ADULTS
The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 times a day. You should not take more than 60 milligrams a day.
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness of Flexeril have not been established for children under the age of 15.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect a Flexeril overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
High doses also may cause any of the conditions listed in "What Side Effects May Occur?"