Flexeril: Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, and some common FAQs

Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or within 14 days after their discontinuation. Hyperpyretic crisis seizures, and deaths have occurred in patients receiving cyclobenzaprine (or structurally similar tricyclic antidepressants) concomitantly with MAO inhibitor drugs. Pharmacologic similarities among the tricyclic drugs require that certain withdrawal symptoms be considered when FLEXERIL is administered, even though they have not been reported to occur with this drug. Abrupt cessation of treatment after prolonged administration rarely may produce nausea, headache, and malaise. Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication.

Will Cyclobenzaprine Be A Solution For Fibromyalgia Patients – Clinical Leader

Will Cyclobenzaprine Be A Solution For Fibromyalgia Patients.

Posted: Mon, 22 Feb 2016 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Within the last five years, emergency room department visits related to muscle relaxant abuse almost doubled; they increased from 15,830 to 31,763 visits.

Flexeril Side Effects

The extended-release form typically has a half-life of hours. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

The immediate-release tablets last for about four to six hours, while the extended-release tablets last around 24 hours. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks, or if they get worse. UseCyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

• It is generally used for musculoskeletal conditions, including fibromyalgia and low back pain.
• Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there.
• Cyclobenzaprine’s plasma concentrations average 40% higher in the elderly, making these patients more at risk of the drug’s harmful effects.
• It is uncommon for this drug to cause a severe allergic reaction.
• This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

It blocks the pathways of neurotransmitters that signal pain and diminishes the sensations of pain. It is also much more addictive than conventional painkillers or Over-the-counter (OTC) Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) available in the market that are pain relievers in action. Flexeril usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour to work after being ingested to show relaxation activity. It peaks at around 3 to 4 hours, and then the effects begin to wear off. This timeline is appropriate for an immediate-release formulation.

Cyclobenzaprine Overdose: Side Effects & Dangers of Abuse Flexeril

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine. A post-marketing surveillance program was carried out in 7607 patients with acute musculoskeletal disorders, and included 297 patients treated with FLEXERIL 10 mg for 30 days or longer. The overall effectiveness of FLEXERIL was similar to that observed in the double-blind controlled studies; the overall incidence of adverse effects was less (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is structurally similar to TCAs and, as such, demonstrates significant anticholinergic side effects. It differs from the TCA amitriptyline by only one double bond.

Types of Skeletal Muscle Relaxers for Back Spasms – Verywell Health

Types of Skeletal Muscle Relaxers for Back Spasms.

Posted: Fri, 11 May 2018 03:07:58 GMT [source]

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children.

Drugs & Vitamins

It is used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy. Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid are some of the brand names for cyclobenzaprine. Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Taking MAO inhibitors flexeril.live with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. 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.

Owing to its anticholinergic activity and long half-life, cyclobenzaprine is not recommended for use in the elderly. Cyclobenzaprine belongs to a class of drugs called muscle relaxants. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur.