USES
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.
WHAT
TO KNOW
Pronounced: FLEX-eh-rill Generic name: Cyclobenzaprine
hydrochloride
WHAT
IS IT
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.
HOW
TO USE THIS MEDICATION
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.
STORAGE
Store away from heat, light, and moisture.
NORMAL DOSE
ADULTS The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 times
a day. You should not take more than 60 milligrams
a day.
MISSED
DOSE
Take it as soon as you remember, if it is within
an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you
do not remember until later, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do
not take 2 doses at once.
OVER
DOSE
Any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. If you suspect a Flexeril overdose,
seek medical attention immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS
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.
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, gas, hallucinations,
headache, heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased
heart rate, indigestion, inflammation of the
stomach, itching, lack of coordination, liver
diseases, loss of sense of taste, low blood
pressure, muscle twitching, 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, unpleasant taste in the mouth, urinating
more or less than usual, vague feeling of bodily
discomfort, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, yellow
eyes and skin Problems such as confusion or
hallucinations are more likely in older adults.
PRECAUTIONS
The 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
this medication is essential to your health,
your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
your baby until your treatment is finished.
DRUG
INTERACTIONS
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. 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 phenobarbital Guanethidine and other high
blood pressure drugs Other drugs that slow the
central nervous system, such as Halcion and
Xanax Tramadol (Ultram)
NOTES
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.
