Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that is available by prescription. It helps to relieve muscle spasms that are caused by injuries or other muscle problems (it cannot help with muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal cord problems). Cyclobenzaprine comes in the form of a tablet that is typically taken three times a day. While most people tolerate the drug well, side effects can include fatigue, a dry mouth, and dizziness.

 

What Is Cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride (Flexeril®) is a prescription muscle relaxant. It is meant to be used temporarily to treat muscle spasms due to injury or other muscle problems.
 
(Click What Is Cyclobenzaprine Used For? for more information on what cyclobenzaprine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects of Cyclobenzaprine

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with cyclobenzaprine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the most common side effects of cyclobenzaprine include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Side Effects of Cyclobenzaprine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Cyclobenzaprine: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking cyclobenzaprine if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any of the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Cyclobenzaprine to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Cyclobenzaprine Dosing Information

The dose of cyclobenzaprine that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medications you are taking
  • Any other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your cyclobenzaprine dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Cyclobenzaprine Dosing for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions With Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine can potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Drug Interactions With Cyclobenzaprine).
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Cyclobenzaprine?

People who take too much cyclobenzaprine may have overdose symptoms that include:
 
  • Extreme drowsiness
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Agitation
  • Coma
  • Coordination problems
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Slurred speech
  • Confusion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Chest pain
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on cyclobenzaprine, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Flexeril Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Cyclobenzaprine?

If you forget to take your cyclobenzaprine dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of cyclobenzaprine.
 

How Does Cyclobenzaprine Work?

It is not clear as to how exactly cyclobenzaprine works to relieve muscle spasms. However, it is known that it mostly works in the brain stem, not in the spinal cord and not directly on the muscles. Cyclobenzaprine only works to relieve muscle spasms caused by problems in the muscles; it does not help with muscle spasms caused by problems in the brain or spinal cord.
 

When and How to Take Cyclobenzaprine

Some general considerations for when and how to take cyclobenzaprine include the following:
 
  • Cyclobenzaprine comes in the form of a tablet. It is usually taken three times daily (although a less frequent dose may be recommended for elderly people or for people who have liver problems).
     
  • In general, cyclobenzaprine should only be used for two or three weeks at a time.
     
  • It does not matter if you take cyclobenzaprine with food or on an empty stomach. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Cyclobenzaprine can cause significant drowsiness. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you take cyclobenzaprine only at night, especially if you need to be alert during the day.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Cyclobenzaprine will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Who Makes Cyclobenzaprine?

Brand-name cyclobenzaprine is made by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. Generic cyclobenzaprine is made by several different manufacturers.
 

Cyclobenzaprine Strengths

Cyclobenzaprine tablets come in the following strengths:
 
  • Cyclobenzaprine 5 mg
  • Cyclobenzaprine 10 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Cyclobenzaprine?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of cyclobenzaprine are licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Flexeril for more information.)
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;