Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Uses

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant and is used to treat muscle spasms and fibromyaligia. It acts on the central nervous system in order to decrease muscle contractions.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water.

If stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food or milk to minimize this effect.

Take this medication exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose

, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase the chance of dizziness or drowsiness.

This medication can make your mouth dry, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help this side effect.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Any heart conditions including previous heart attacks, thyroid conditions, liver disease, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, hallucinations, seizures, vomiting, changes in heartbeat including faster heartbeat,

Other Side Effects

Headache.

Adult Dose

Fibromyalgia

10-30 mg by mouth once daily taken at bedtime.

Muscle Spasms

Immediate Release Tablets:

5mg by mouth three times per day as a starting dose. The dose is then increased based on patient response to up to 10 mg by mouth three times per day. For muscle spasms, this medication is typically taken for no more than 2-3 weeks.

Extended Release Tablets:

Sources

15 mg by mouth once daily as a starting dose. The dose is then increased based on patient response to up to 30 mg by mouth once daily.

1. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) [package insert]. Fort Washington, PA: McNeil Consumer Healthcare; 2013.

2. Cyclobenzaprine HCl oral film coated tablets, cyclobenzapine HCl oral film coated tablets[package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ: Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York (per DailyMed); 2015.

3. Buckhardt CS, Goldenberg D, Crofford L, et al: Guideline for the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome Pain in Adults and Children. APS Clinical Practice Guideline Series, No. 4., American Pain Society, Glenview, IL, 2005, pp.