{"id":631192,"date":"2025-02-06T09:30:14","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T14:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631192"},"modified":"2025-01-29T14:16:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T19:16:41","slug":"cyclobenzaprine-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cyclobenzaprine-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Is cyclobenzaprine pregnancy safe?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cyclobenzaprine<\/span><\/a> is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. It is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. Brand names include <\/span>Amrix<\/span><\/a> (an extended-release version of the drug that is taken once per day), <\/span>Fexmid<\/span><\/a>, and Flexeril (taken up to three times per day). In general, it is considered safe to use cyclobenzaprine during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take cyclobenzaprine while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Typically, a woman would be prescribed cyclobenzaprine during pregnancy because of a muscle spasm, explains <\/span>Kecia Gaither, MD, the\u00a0 Director of Perinatal Services\/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals\/Lincoln in the Bronx in New York City.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cyclobenzaprine is considered a category B medication by the FDA, which means that animal studies have not shown any adverse effects. <\/span>It is generally considered safe to take cyclobenzaprine during pregnancy. There is very little human research on taking this drug during pregnancy. However, the consensus in the medical community is that it\u2019s okay to take during the second and third trimesters (weeks 14 to 40 of pregnancy). Caution is important for all medications taken in the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks of pregnancy) when a baby\u2019s organ systems are forming because there are no safety data available for the use of cyclobenzaprine in humans during the first trimester.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, there is also concern about taking the medication during the last three months of pregnancy because \u201c<\/span>cyclobenzaprine produces drowsiness as a side effect, so the use of it in the third trimester may cause drowsiness in the newborn,\u201d said <\/span>Dr. Gaither<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, this medication can be a safe alternative to other pain relievers for muscle spasms during pregnancy. \u201cWe find it works very well for people with some kind of musculoskeletal issue requiring relaxation,\u201d explains <\/span>Robert Atlas<\/span><\/a>, MD, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. \u201cAs much as we might like to use a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Motrin during pregnancy, you\u2019re generally not supposed to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to understand that cyclobenzaprine should only be used if needed and only as a short-term medication \u201cIt could be used for a couple of days up to a week or so,\u201d says Dr. Atlas. \u201cThis isn\u2019t something we\u2019d use long-term, but something to help relieve pain in the short term.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, if you are planning on nursing, this medication is safe for breastfeeding. The amount of medication that transfers into human milk appears to be very small, according to a <\/span>case report<\/span><\/a> in the <\/span>Journal of Human Lactation<\/span><\/i>, and does not constitute a risk to a breastfed infant. Still, because the medication is a sedative, it is key to monitor your baby closely if you are taking cyclobenzaprine while breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cyclobenzaprine coupons<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Amrix coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

What are the risks of taking cyclobenzaprine while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because there is limited data on humans taking cyclobenzaprine while pregnant, it is difficult to identify all of the possible risks. Here\u2019s what we know.<\/span><\/p>\n

One <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> found increased odds of congenital disorders with the use of cyclobenzaprine during the time before conception and the first trimester. Still, the authors note that the results should be interpreted with caution, and more studies need to be done. Cyclobenzaprine does cross the placenta, which means that the fetus will be exposed to the medication along with the mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

General side effects of cyclobenzaprine include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and dry mouth. It may also increase your heart rate or cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). If you experience chest pain or changes in your heart rate while taking cyclobenzaprine, stop taking it right away and contact a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cyclobenzaprine is part of a class of medications called <\/span>cyclic antidepressants<\/span><\/a>. It is considered a <\/span>tricyclic amine salt, and it works in the central nervous system as a depressant by reducing muscle hyperactivity (otherwise known as muscle spasms). Because of this, a few kinds of medications do not mix with cyclobenzaprine:<\/span><\/p>\n