Side Effects of Flexeril cyclobenzaprine: Interactions & Warnings

Cyclobenzaprine, frequently marketed as Flexeril or Amrix, is one of the most frequently prescribed pain medications according to the Drug Enforcement Administration(DEA). As such, problems related to Cyclobenzaprine side effects are commonly encountered and are of medical importance. Side effects, also known as Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR), are claimed to be the fourth leading cause of death.

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Serious side effects of Flexeril include seizures, abnormal heartbeats, stroke, heart attacks, and heatstroke. It works by blocking pain sensations that are sent to your brain. Cyclobenzaprine oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

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It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Drug interactions of Flexeril include tricyclic antidepressants because Flexeril is chemically related to this class of drugs. Other reported side effects of Flexeril include nausea, constipation, blurred vision, unpleasant taste, nervousness, confusion, acid reflux, and abdominal pain or discomfort. If you’re taking Flexeril non-medically for a high—with or without other drugs—treatment for substance abuse can prevent you from suffering a dangerous overdose. Sometimes, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine are used “off-label” to treat conditions they’re not approved for, such as fibromyalgia. Cyclobenzaprine is a drug prescribed to treat pain and discomfort.

Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history. Cyclobenzaprine comes as a tablet and an extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken with or without food three times a day. The extended-release capsule is usually taken with or without food once a day. Do not take this drug for more than 3 weeks without talking to your doctor.

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Although not central to its pharmacodynamics in the management of acute muscle spasms, the serotonergic activity is of clinical importance. Hence, it is important to contact the primary care provider if one experiences any symptoms while on Сyclobenzaprine therapy. Professionals generally consider Flexeril to be nonaddictive; however, there is evidence that Flexeril addiction is possible. Flexeril depresses the central nervous system, an effect some find desirable, which can lead to misuse. An individual might abuse Flexeril in order to feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or sedated. Flexeril produces a variety of anticholinergic effects in high doses, altering the activity of brain neurotransmitters.

• Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
• However, if indeed Flexeril is excreted in human milk, then its close resemblance to TCAs would give it central sedative properties which would be a relative contraindication for Cyclobenzaprine and breastfeeding.
• Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and able to see well.
• Also avoid driving, operating machinery, or other hazardous activities until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you.
• Cyclobenzaprine comes as a tablet and an extended-release capsule to take by mouth.

Most inpatient and outpatient rehab programs include cognitive behavioral therapy that will help you learn the coping skills needed for long-term recovery. Medications used as muscle relaxers can differ in their chemical structures and the way they work in the brain. In general, muscle relaxers act as central nervous system depressants and cause a sedative effect or prevent your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. The onset of action is rapid and effects typically last from 4-6 hours.

Due to the lack of data in subjects with more severe hepatic insufficiency, the use of FLEXERIL in subjects with moderate to severe impairment is not recommended. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine. If you will flexeril help sciatica experience severe skin rash, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, irregular heart rate, chest pain, fever or seizures, the NIH recommends contacting a doctor immediately. These side effects, which have been reported in other similar tricyclic antidepressants to the FDA, could be indications of arrhythmias, sinus tachycardia, leading to myocardial infarction and stroke.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Cyclobenzaprine is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury. A post-marketing surveillance program was carried out in 7607 patients with acute musculoskeletal disorders, and included 297 patients treated with FLEXERIL 10 mg for 30 days or longer.

Interactions

As mentioned, these Cyclobenzaprine side effects are tolerable and do not require urgent medical care, and their occurrence may even be preventable or may subside as a physiologic adaptation to cyclobenzaprine use occurs. The overall incidence of adverse reactions among patients in the surveillance program was less than the incidence in the controlled clinical studies. Yes, you can overdose on Flexeril — including cyclobenzaprine 10 mg dose. Some skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol) have sedative properties so people may attempt to misuse a drug like cyclobenzaprine thinking that it will have similar sedating effects.