Flexeril
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve
muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as sprains, strains, or pulls.
Flexeril, when combined with rest and physical therapy, provides relief of
muscular stiffness and pain. Improvement is manifested by relief of
muscle spasm and its associated signs and symptoms, namely, pain,
tenderness, limitation of motion, and restriction in activities
of daily living.
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that
use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Please consult your
healthcare professional before using this or any other prescription or
non-prescription medication.
Uses of Flexeril
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.
Flexeril Directions
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.
Flexeril Side Effects
Side effects of Flexeril 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.
Flexeril 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 medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise
you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
Flexeril 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, Xanax and Tramadol (Ultram).
Missed Dose of Flexeril
If you miss a dose of Flexeril, 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 of Flexeril at once.
Flexeril Dosage
ADULTS: The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 times a day.
You should not take more than 60 milligrams a day.
Flexeril 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.
If You Take Too Much Flexeril
Any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. If you suspect a Flexeril overdose, seek medical attention
immediately. Symptoms of Flexeril overdose may include: Agitation, coma,
confusion, congestive heart failure, convulsions, dilated pupils,
disturbed concentration, drowsiness, hallucinations, high or low temperature,
increased heartbeats, irregular heart rhythms, muscle stiffness,
overactive reflexes, severe low blood pressure, stupor, vomiting. High
doses also may cause any of the conditions listed in "What Side Effects
May Occur?".
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