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 med 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 med 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.
