Flexeril

Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Drug Information

• Flexeril Overview

  Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works by helping to relax the muscles.

• How to Use Flexeril

  Take Flexeril by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use Flexeril more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. The Dosage of Flexeril is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Flexeril should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 2 to 3 weeks or if it worsens.

• Flexeril Precautions

  Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Flexeril may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Flexeril, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart block, heart failure, recent heart attack), difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), glaucoma. Flexeril may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Flexeril, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, Flexeril should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Flexeril passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Flexeril Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Flexeril, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Flexeril Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, imipramine). Taking MAO inhibitors with Flexeril may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Flexeril. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with Flexeril. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Flexeril. Before using Flexeril, report the use of drugs that increase serotonin, including street drugs (such as MDMA/"ecstasy"), St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tramadol, among others. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, methocarbamol), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

• Flexeril Side Effects

  What are Flexeril side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Flexeril may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Flexeril as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Flexeril

  The side effects of Flexeril may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Flexeril. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Flexeril may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Flexeril, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Flexeril.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Flexeril, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Flexeril and the side effects associated with Flexeril are described in the following:

  Common Flexeril Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • xerostomia
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • nausea
  • dyspepsia

  Less Frequent Flexeril Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • blurred vision
  • dysgeusia
  • headache disorder

  Rare or Very Rare Flexeril Side Effects

  Severe

  • acute confusion
  • depression
  • CNS toxicity
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • hepatitis
  • cholestasis
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • syncope
  • ataxia
  • jaundice
  • dyspnea
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • DRESS syndrome
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • urinary retention
  • seizure disorder
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • serotonin syndrome
  • tachycardia
  • hypertension
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • heart block
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • SIADH syndrome
  • hallucinations
  • neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • extrapyramidal disease
  • paranoid disorder
  • abnormal electroencephalogram

  Less Severe

  • gastrointestinal irritation
  • constipation
  • allergic dermatitis
  • muscle weakness
  • insomnia
  • loss of taste
  • tremor
  • twitching
  • paresthesia
  • skin rash
  • tinnitus
  • dysuria
  • increased urinary frequency
  • flatulence
  • nervousness
  • hypotension
  • acne vulgaris
  • disturbance of attention
  • malaise
  • vasodilation of blood vessels
  • palpitations
  • agitation
  • dysarthria
  • hyperhidrosis
  • chest pain
  • edema
  • vomiting
  • anorexia
  • diarrhea
  • acute abdominal pain
  • parotitis
  • vertigo
  • gynecomastia
  • galactorrhea not associated with childbirth
  • Bell's palsy
  • libido changes

• Flexeril Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Flexeril when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.