Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine): Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a sedative. It works by preventing nerve impulses (or pain sensations) from reaching your brain. Flexeril is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, injury, or spasms in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.
What is Flexeril?
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a sedative that works by preventing nerve impulses (or pain sensations) from reaching your brain. It is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, injury, or spasms, in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.
Flexeril Uses
Used with rest and physical therapy to relax muscles and relieve pain from strains, sprains, and muscle injuries.
Belongs to a class of drugs known as skeletal muscle relaxants.
Works by acting on the brain and nervous system to relax muscles.
How to Use
Typically taken once daily for two or three weeks.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and medication guides.
Take the medication at the same time each day.
If symptoms do not improve or worsen after three weeks, contact your doctor.
Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
Flexeril Side Effects
More Common Side Effects
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Lightheadedness
Dryness of the mouth
Less Common Side Effects
Bloating or gas
Indigestion
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach cramps or pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Excitement or nervousness
Frequent urination
Headache
Muscle twitching
Numbness, tingling
Pounding heartbeat
Trembling
Trouble sleeping
Precautions for Flexeril
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to cyclobenzaprine or any of its ingredients.
Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently stopped taking MAO inhibitors, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
Inform your doctor if you have had a heart attack, have an overactive thyroid,Β heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart block, or other heart issues.
Notify your doctor if you have increased intraocular pressure orΒ glaucoma, difficulty urinating, orΒ liver disease.
Those 65 or older should discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication with their doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if you are pregnant while taking cyclobenzaprine. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Dosage Guidelines For Flexeril
Drug Interactions: Cyclobenzaprine can interact with tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, imipramine) and MAO inhibitors, which may result in serious side effects.
Avoiding MAO Inhibitors: Do not take MAO inhibitors during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also be avoided for two weeks before starting this medication. Consult your doctor for specific guidance.
Overdose
Symptoms: If someone has taken an overdose and experiences serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
Dosage: Never take more doses than prescribed by your doctor.
Missed Dose
Timeliness: It is necessary to take each dose on time.
Instructions: If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to arrange a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage
Conditions: Keep the medicine away from heat, air and light, which may damage it.
Safety: Store in a safe place away from children’s reach.
Flexeril vs Baclofen
Flexeril
Baclofen
It is a sedative. It is used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains.
Baclofen, also known as Lioresal. Baclofen is both a muscle relaxant and an antispasmodic.
It is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, injury, or spasms in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.
Baclofen is a medication that is used to treat muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness in people who have multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury or disease.
It works by preventing nerve impulses (or pain sensations) from reaching your brain.
It may also be used to treat hiccups and muscle spasms in the final stages of life. It is administered orally or through the spinal canal.
