Cyclobenzaprine Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

Uses

Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works by helping to relax the muscles.

How to use cyclobenzaprine oral

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor.

ell your doctor if your condition lasts after 2 to 3 weeks or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), trouble urinating.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart block, heart failure, recent heart attack), difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), glaucoma.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

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.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, imipramine).

Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.

Before using this medication, report the use of drugs that increase serotonin, including street drugs (such as MDMA/"ecstasy"), St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tramadol, among others.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, methocarbamol), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Does cyclobenzaprine oral interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe drowsiness, trouble speaking, seizures, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations).

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Cyclobenzaprine Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

What medications Cannot be taken with cyclobenzaprine? ›

Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication.

What are the bad side effects of cyclobenzaprine? ›

Side Effects
  • Clumsiness or unsteadiness.
  • fainting.
  • mental depression.
  • problems in urinating.
  • ringing or buzzing in the ears.
  • skin rash, hives, or itching occurring without other symptoms of an allergic reaction listed above.
  • unusual thoughts or dreams.
  • yellow eyes or skin.

Why is cyclobenzaprine not recommended for older adults? ›

Because of the possibility of higher blood levels in the elderly as compared to younger adults, use of cyclobenzaprine extended-release capsules is not recommended in the elderly.

When not to use cyclobenzaprine? ›

Heart attack, recent or. Heart block or. Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia) or. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

What can you not mix with muscle relaxers? ›

This medication may also interact with the following:
  • Alcohol.
  • Bupropion.
  • Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold.
  • Certain medications for anxiety or sleep.
  • Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine.
  • Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline.

Can you take cyclobenzaprine with high blood pressure medication? ›

metoprolol cyclobenzaprine

Metoprolol and cyclobenzaprine may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.

What organ does cyclobenzaprine affect? ›

Cyclobenzaprine relieves skeletal muscle spasms of local origin without interfering with muscle function. In preclinical research, cyclobenzaprine reduced skeletal muscle hyperactivity. Research indicates that it primarily acts within the central nervous system in the brain stem.

Is cyclobenzaprine hard on your heart? ›

Effects on the heart warning: This drug may cause heart arrhythmias (heart rate or rhythm problems). Your risk may be higher if you take a drug to treat depression or if you already have heart problems.

Is cyclobenzaprine a form of Xanax? ›

Xanax is mainly used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine include Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid. Cyclobenzaprine and Xanax belong to different drug classes. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant and Valium is a benzodiazepine.

What is the safest muscle relaxer for the elderly? ›

The Geriatric Lexi-Drugs database recommends the avoidance of muscle relaxants other than diazepam and tizanidine in patients older than age 65 years because efficacy and safety have not been established in geriatric patients.

What is the safest pain reliever for seniors? ›

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safer for older adults than other pain medicines. Topical pain medicines (also called topical analgesics) can also help. When common pain medicines don't work to manage pain, your healthcare provider may suggest other medicines, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants.

What muscle relaxer has the fewest side effects? ›

Metaxalone: Metaxalone (Skelaxin) causes the fewest side effects of the muscle relaxers and is less likely to have a sedative effect. It is more expensive than other options, so not all insurance plans cover it.

What drugs interact negatively with cyclobenzaprine? ›

Possible cyclobenzaprine interactions include alcohol, opioids such as tramadol (Conzip, Qdolo), and benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax). It can also interact with medications that increase serotonin levels, including several antidepressants, migraine medications like sumatriptan (Imitrex), and St. John's wort.

Why is cyclobenzaprine bad for you? ›

Even when used for only a short period of time, cyclobenzaprine can cause side effects. Common cyclobenzaprine side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and headaches. Some people may also experience an upset stomach or trouble focusing. Rarely, heart rhythm changes and serotonin syndrome have been reported.

How many days in a row can I take cyclobenzaprine? ›

According to the product monograph, “cyclobenzaprine should be used only for short periods (up to two or three weeks), because adequate evidence of effectiveness for more prolonged use is not available”.

What should you avoid while taking Flexeril? ›

Flexeril is likely to make you sleepy or impair your judgment time. This may be beneficial in aiding sleep; however, you should avoid operating machinery, driving, or performing tasks that require mental alertness while taking this medicine. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

How many hours does 10 mg of cyclobenzaprine last? ›

Because cyclobenzaprine's duration of action is 4 to 6 hours, reducing the dosing frequency to 10 mg BID would create a potentially painful untreated interval between doses. The alternative is administration of a lower dose (eg, 5 or 2.5 mg) TID.

Does cyclobenzaprine mess with your heart? ›

Effects on the heart warning: This drug may cause heart arrhythmias (heart rate or rhythm problems). Your risk may be higher if you take a drug to treat depression or if you already have heart problems.

Will cyclobenzaprine 10 mg put you to sleep? ›

Drowsiness is a common side effect of cyclobenzaprine, but it's much more likely to happen with the immediate-release (IR) tablets than with the extended-release (ER) capsules. If you feel too sleepy from cyclobenzaprine, let your provider know.

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