Flexeril

The active ingredient in Flexeril is cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride (HCl). It works by relaxing muscle spasms in specific areas of your body without affecting overall muscle function. Cyclobenzaprine reduces excessive muscle activity, which eases muscle tension and relieves pain and stiffness associated with muscle spasms. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) in your brain rather than the spinal cord, although action at the spinal cord may help produce its muscle relaxant effects.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Flexeril. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Flexeril:

• Flexeril is typically prescribed short-term for a 2 to 3-week course and is to be taken up to 3 times a day. Always follow your prescription label's instructions and read all medication guides carefully.
• Take the medicine at the same times each day to maintain consistency.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of Flexeril seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Drowsiness or tiredness.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Upset stomach or constipation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Flexeril. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeats.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, balance problems.
• Serotonin syndrome, which may include agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Serious and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction with symptoms such as hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and shortness of breath.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Flexeril. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Flexeril, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• Heart conditions, including heart block, heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmias), or congestive heart failure.
• Liver disease.
• Glaucoma.
• Enlarged prostate or urination problems.
• Recent heart attack.

• Avoid using cyclobenzaprine if you've taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days since a dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAOIs include medications such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a fast-acting muscle relaxant. You should begin to feel its effects within 30 minutes to an hour, though full efficacy may take up to 7 days. Be aware that drowsiness, a common side effect, sets in quickly. Avoid driving or engaging in other hazardous activities after taking this medication.

When Flexeril is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) taken within the past 2 weeks.
• A barbiturate (e.g., phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone).
• A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
• Any other medicine causing dizziness and drowsiness, such as prescription pain medicines (opioids), sleep aids, or anti-anxiety medications.
• An anticholinergic medicine, including antihistamines.
• Tramadol.
• A tricyclic antidepressant (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline).
• An antipsychotic.
• Verapamil (Verelan, Verelan PM).
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin).
• Meperidine (Demerol).

In conclusion, the use of any CNS depressants, including antihistamines, benzodiazepines, medicines for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping aids, prescription pain medicines or narcotics, seizure medications or barbiturates, other muscle relaxants, or anesthetics should be mentioned to your healthcare professional.

5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg tablets

Store this medication in its original, tightly closed container out of children's reach. Keep it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture—not in the bathroom. Store extended-release capsules away from light.

Merck & Co. Inc. is the main pharmaceutical manufacturer of the brand-name medication Flexeril.

Flexeril is available as a lower-cost generic.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking cyclobenzaprine.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. The effects of cyclobenzaprine on unborn babies are unknown. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Breastfeeding while using this medicine may not be safe. Consult your doctor about potential risks.