Cyclobenzaprine is a generic prescription muscle relaxant that provides relief of the symptoms of painful muscle spasms without affecting muscle function. Instead, it works directly on the brain to reduce muscle rigidity and spasms. As a muscle relaxant, side effects are common and could be serious, so healthcare providers use it as a short-term treatment.
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Cyclobenzaprine overview
BRAND NAMES:
Amrix, Fexmid
Generic Names:
Cyclobenzaprine HCl
Uses:
Treats pain and stiffness caused by muscle spasms
Therapeutic Classes:
Centrally-acting skeletal muscle relaxant
Forms:
Tablet, long-acting capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Cyclobenzaprine used for?
Cyclobenzapine reduces muscle spasms and their associated symptoms, including pain, tenderness, and limitations on motion and daily activities.
What form(s) does Cyclobenzaprine come in
Tablet
5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
Long-acting capsule
15 mg
30 mg
What are common Cyclobenzaprine doses?
For muscle spasms:
Immediate-release tablets: 5–10 mg taken up to 3 times daily for up to 3 weeks
Long-acting capsules: 15–30 mg taken once daily for up to 3 weeks
Common Cyclobenzaprine prescriptions
Cyclobenzaprine HCl
90 tablets bottleCyclobenzaprine HCl
30 tablets disp packCyclobenzaprine HCl
10mg tabletCyclobenzaprine HCl
5mg tabletCyclobenzaprine HCl
7.5mg tablet
How to take Cyclobenzaprine
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine is not for long-term use.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
If tablets or capsules cause stomach problems, cyclobenzaprine can be taken with food.
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsules or granules inside the capsule.
If you cannot swallow the capsule whole:
Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over one tablespoon of applesauce. Do not use any food other than applesauce.
Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.
Rinse the mouth to make sure all the medicine has been swallowed.
Do not save any of the mixture to use later.
Store cyclobenzaprine tablets or capsules at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light and out of the reach of children.
What to do if you miss a dose of Cyclobenzaprine
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Cyclobenzaprine contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had:
An allergic reaction to cyclobenzaprine
A recent heart attack
Heart failure
Heart rhythm abnormalities
Overactive thyroid
Cyclobenzaprine should never be taken with drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Cyclobenzaprine warnings
Because of possible side effects, healthcare providers are urged to prescribe cyclobenzaprine only for short-term treatment (2–3 weeks).
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Tell your doctor if you:
Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
Have liver problems
Have heart problems
A history of eye problems such as glaucoma
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Serotonin syndrome when taken with certain medicines
Heart rhythm abnormalities
Heart attack
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine is more likely to cause side effects in the elderly or people with liver disease.
This medicine can cause psychiatric symptoms, behavior changes, and nervous system abnormalities. Call a doctor if you experience any mood, behavior, psychiatric, or nervous system problems.
Cyclobenzaprine interactions
Because of possible drug interactions, tell healthcare providers you are using this medicine.
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days of each other.
Some foods and medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Drugs to treat depression or other mental health issues
Barbiturates
The pain medications tramadol or meperidine
The blood pressure medication verapamil
Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Cyclobenzaprine side effects
Serious side effects
Cyclobenzaprine can cause serious side effects. Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Severe drowsiness, fainting, or confusion
Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Sources:
Amrix prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
Fexmid prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
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