Cyclobenzaprine: Side Effects, dosage, uses, and more
Safety and effectiveness of FLEXERIL in pediatric patients below 15 years of age have not been established. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Tricyclic antidepressants have been reported to produce arrhythmias, sinus tachycardia, prolongation of the conduction time leading to myocardial infarction and stroke.
- This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
- It works by relaxing your muscles, which reduces muscle stiffness.
- However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects.
- Adverse effects, particularly dizziness and drowsiness, are consistently reported with all skeletal muscle relaxants.
- Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Therefore, this drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. Many insurance companies require prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. If you have liver problems, your doctor may do a blood test to monitor how well your liver is working while you take this drug. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch. Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Another telltale sign of Flexeril addiction is abusing the medication in combination with another substance to produce a greater sense of euphoria. Alcohol is commonly abused alongside muscle relaxers like Flexeril because the substances amplify each others’ effects, causing the individual to experience a more intense sedation or high.
Professionals generally consider Flexeril to be nonaddictive; however, there is evidence that Flexeril addiction is possible. Flexeril depresses the central nervous system, an effect some find desirable, which can lead to misuse. An individual might abuse Flexeril in order to feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or sedated. Flexeril produces a variety of anticholinergic effects in high doses, altering the activity of brain neurotransmitters. Additionally, Flexeril users may experience mild withdrawal symptoms if the drug is used chronically in high doses. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products.
What Is Flexeril Discontinuation Syndrome?
It works by blocking pain sensations that are sent to your brain. 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. Cyclobenzaprine—fully called cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, orC20H22ClN—was first synthesized in 1961 by the pharmaceutical company Merck & Company. It is chemically related to tricyclic antidepressants, an early form of antidepressants invented in the 1950s. A long-acting formulation of cyclobenzaprine has been introduced and is believed by some clinicians to have a lower side effect profile than the immediate-release formulation of this drug.
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
What is Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) used for?
This timeline is appropriate for an immediate-release formulation. In the case of an extended-release formulation, the effects last for up to 24 hours. As an illegal drug, cyclobenzaprine is known by the street names mellow yellow or cyclone. While not as popular among recreational drug users, it is known by addicts with experience abusing prescription drugs and a desire for sedative highs.
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Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body. Taking MAO inhibitors 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.
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Secondary endpoints included a physician’s evaluation of the presence and extent of palpable muscle spasm. Less frequent dosing should be considered for hepatically impaired or elderly patients (see PRECAUTIONS, Impaired Hepatic Function, and Use in the Elderly). If you believe you’re addicted to Flexeril, please don’t put off getting help. It’s important to talk with an addiction treatment specialist as soon as you can. That way, you can find out for sure if what you’re dealing with is an actual addiction. If it is, you can begin to take the necessary steps that you’ll need to recover.
The cautionary notes on cyclobenzaprine have probably left you wanting to turn over every stone in looking into alternatives. Natural remedies are popular, particularly for nocturnal leg cramps, a type of muscle spasm we have all likely experienced. Everyone seems to have their opinion on what works, but studies have not proven many to be effective. If you are deficient in https://flexeril.live magnesium, then a magnesium supplement may help with leg cramps, but otherwise, it will likely be ineffective according to a published review. Non-pharmacological options like stretching and physical therapy may be something to consider for muscle pains. Tizanidine may be preferred for muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury.