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Cyclobenzaprine

Generic name: cyclobenzaprine [sye-kloe-BEN-za-preen]
The brand names are: Amrix, Comfort Pac with Cyclobenzaprine, Fexmid, and Flexeril.
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

What is Cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine is an anti-muscle relaxant. It works by preventing the nerve signals (or discomfort sensations) that are transmitted to the brain. Cyclobenzaprine is a combination of physical therapy and rest to treat muscle disorders like injury or pain. Cyclobenzaprine can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guideline.

Warnings

Cyclobenzaprine is not recommended in the event that you are allergic to the drug, have a specific kind of thyroid disorder (hyperthyroidism), heart block, or the condition known as congestive heart failure or a heart rhythm disorder, or if you recently suffered a cardiac attack. Do not take cyclobenzaprine if you've taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Prior to Use this Drug

It is not recommended to use cyclobenzaprine when you are allergic to the drug or suffer from:

  • Hyperthyroidism;
  • Heart block, heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure, or
  • If you've had an attack of the heart.

Cyclobenzaprine is not a drug that has been approved for use by anyone less than 15 years of age. Don't use cyclobenzaprine if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A potentially dangerous interaction between drugs may occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and selegiline. Certain medicines may react with cyclobenzaprine and create serotonin syndrome. Check with your physician if you are also taking medications that are stimulants, opioid herbal remedies, or medications to treat mental illness, depression, or Parkinson's disease. severe infections, headaches, or for the prevention of vomiting and nausea. Consult your physician before making any changes to how or when you take your medication.

To make sure that cyclobenzaprine is suitable for you, inform your doctor if:

  • Thyroid disease
  • Liver disease;
  • Glaucoma;
  • Prostate enlarged
  • Issues with urination.

It is unclear if the drug cyclobenzaprine can harm an unborn baby. If you are becoming mothers or want to get pregnant, you should talk to your doctor. Taking this medicine while breastfeeding is not recommended. Talk to your doctor about any potential dangers. Adults who are older may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.

How to Take Cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine is typically taken for two or three weeks. Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all the instructions or guides for your medication. Your doctor might occasionally alter the dosage of your medication. Follow your doctor's dosage instructions extremely carefully. Take and swallow the capsule intact; don't crush, chew, break, or even open it. Contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve after three weeks or if they get worse. Maintain at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, do not take your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of cyclobenzaprine could be fatal.

The symptoms of an overdose can include sleepiness, vomiting, rapid heartbeats, tremors, disturbances, or hallucinations.

Avoid this

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects this medication will have on your body. Your reaction could be affected.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects may be experienced.

Side Effects of Cyclobenzaprine

Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you exhibit symptoms of an allergic reaction to cyclobenzaprine, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

  • Irregular or rapid heartbeats;
  • Chest discomfort or pressure, radiating to your shoulder, jaw, or shoulder;
  • The sensation of numbness or weakness suddenly occurring (especially in one part or the back) or slurred speech. Balance issues.

Get medical attention now if you are experiencing symptoms of serotonin syndrome like agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating or shivering, high heart rate, muscle stiffness, shaking, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Risky side effects are more frequent in older adults.

Common cyclobenzaprine side effects may include:

  • Drowsiness, Tiredness;
  • Headache, Dizziness;
  • Dry Mouth Dry Mouth
  • Upset Stomach, Nausea, And Constipation.

This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Utilising cyclobenzaprine in conjunction with other medications that cause you to become drowsy could cause more of this. Talk to your doctor prior to using opioids, a sleeping pill such as a muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat anxiety and seizures.

Inform your doctor about your other medications, particularly:

  • MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid and linezolid, as well as phenel selegiline, rasagiline, or tranylcypromine
  • Antidepressants and anxiety medication;
  • Bupropion (Zyban to treat quitting smoking or Wellbutrin to treat depression)
  • Meperidine
  • Tramadol
  • Verapamil
  • Cold or allergy medication that includes an antihistamine (Benadryl and others);
  • Medicine to treat Parkinson's disease
  • Medication to treat excessive acid in the stomach, stomach ulcers, motion sickness, or IBS;
  • Medicines to treat an overactive bladder medicine to treat an overactive bladder
  • Bronchodilator aspirin medication

This list isn't complete. Other drugs can be incompatible with cyclobenzaprine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are listed here.