Flexeril: Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, and some common FAQs

In patients with CNS depression, early intubation is advised because of the potential for abrupt deterioration. Seizures should be controlled with benzodiazepines or, if these are ineffective, other anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin). Physostigmine is not recommended except to treat life-threatening symptoms that have been unresponsive to other therapies, and then only in close consultation with a poison control center. For most patients, the recommended dose of FLEXERIL is 5 mg three times a day.

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Both Robaxin and Flexeril work in similar ways through acting on the central nervous system (CNS). Further classified as antispasmodic agents, Robaxin and Flexeril are effective for treating acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions that cause discomfort and muscle spasms. They also have similar side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Signs of overdose include chest pain, hallucinations, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and extreme drowsiness. The risk of overdose is significantly increased when Flexeril is combined with other drugs, particularly alcohol or Benzodiazepines.

Nutrition and Healthy Living

Also avoid driving, operating machinery, or other hazardous activities until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you. Overall, however, the literature shows that cyclobenzaprine is likely safer than other muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol, as well as some antidepressants (17). The primary adverse side effects of cyclobenzaprine can you take flexeril with tylenol and ibuprofen are related to the central nervous system (CNS), and include drowsiness, dizziness, and nervousness (10). Some patients also report gastrointestinal issues (stomach problems) like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite, as well as dry mouth (11, 12). Cyclobenzaprine belongs to a class of drugs called muscle relaxants.

• Using Flexeril with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect.
• Although cyclobenzaprine was found to have limited efficacy as an antidepressant, it proved very effective as a muscle relaxant.
• This medication should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor.
• Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another.

The other dosage form of this medicine is an injection solution into a muscle or into a vein. Robaxin needs to be taken three to four times a day to provide relief from muscle pain and muscle spasms. Another potential side effect of Flexeril is overdose if an individual takes too much of the drug. Although Flexeril doesn’t produce a euphoric high like many other drugs, people still misuse it due to its relaxing effects; many will increase dosages to amplify those effects.

The efficacy of FLEXERIL 5 mg was demonstrated in two seven-day, double-blind, controlled clinical trials enrolling 1405 patients. One study compared FLEXERIL 5 mg and 10 mg t.i.d. to placebo; and a second study compared FLEXERIL 5 mg and 2.5 mg t.i.d. to placebo. Primary endpoints for both trials were determined by patient-generated data and included global impression of change, medication helpfulness, and relief from starting backache. Each endpoint consisted of a score on a 5-point rating scale (from 0 or worst outcome to 4 or best outcome). Cyclobenzaprine caused slight to moderate increase in heart rate in animals. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

Adverse Effects

If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness. Being an unscheduled substance with a perceived low potential for abuse, cyclobenzaprine does not carry a high reputation for abuse, but this can give a false sense of security.

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Cyclobenzaprine is not a narcotic or an opioid, and is not scheduled by the DEA. That being said, dependency can develop if directions and dosage aren’t followed, so be careful to use this drug only as directed by your doctor. Cyclobenzaprine – including Flexeril and Amrixz – is not a narcotic drug or scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Muscle relaxants should be avoided or monitored before operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Muscle relaxants like Robaxin or Flexeril can cause increased dizziness or drowsiness and impair cognitive performance. Since Robaxin and Flexeril have CNS depressant effects, they can interact with other drugs that have similar effects.

Cyclobenzaprine cost

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. In this article, we’ll explain what Flexeril is and discuss when it’s effective. We’ll also share the potential risks and side effects of using Flexeril so that you can make an informed choice about how to manage your pain. However, the half-life of immediate-release cyclobenzaprine is 18 hours on average, with a range of 8-37 hours. The extended-release form typically has a half-life of hours.

Other brands of cyclobenzaprine include Fexmid, FusePaq Tabradol, and Amrix (an extended-release capsule). Cyclobenzaprine relaxes muscles by reducing muscle spasms. Cyclobenzaprine is a drug prescribed to treat pain and discomfort. This page will go over its side effects, drug interactions, and treatment for misuse. Flexeril and Diazepam are both used to treat muscle spasms.