Flexeril
Flexeril - Uses
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve muscle spasms resulting from
injuries such as sprains, strains, or pulls. Combined with rest and physical
therapy, Flexeril provides relief of muscular stiffness and pain.
Flexeril - Directions
Flexeril may be taken with or without food. Flexeril should be used only for
short periods (no more than 3 weeks). Since the type of injury that Flexeril
treats should improve in a few weeks, there is no reason to use it for a longer
period. Flexeril may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or
melting ice chips in your mouth can provide temporary relief.
Flexeril - Cautions
The effects of Flexeril during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It
is not known if Flexeril appears in breast milk. However, cyclobenzaprine is
related to tricyclic antidepressants, and some of those drugs do appear in
breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may
advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is
finished.
Flexeril - Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is
safe for you to continue taking Flexeril. More common side effects may include:
Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth Less common or rare side effects may include:
Abnormal heartbeats, abnormal sensations, abnormal thoughts or dreams,
aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, bloated feeling, blurred vision,
confusion, constipation, convulsions, decreased appetite, depressed mood,
diarrhea, difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty speaking,
disorientation, double vision, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention,
gas, hallucinations, headache, heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased heart
rate, indigestion, inflammation of the stomach, itching, lack of coordination,
liver diseases, loss of sense of taste, low blood pressure, muscle twitching,
nausea, nervousness, palpitations, paranoia, rash, ringing in the ears, severe
allergic reaction, stomach and intestinal pain, sweating, swelling of the tongue
or face, thirst, tingling in hands or feet, tremors, unpleasant taste in the
mouth, urinating more or less than usual, vague feeling of bodily discomfort,
vertigo, vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin Problems such as confusion or
hallucinations are more likely in older adults.
Flexeril - Notes
Flexeril is not a substitute for the physical therapy, rest, or exercise that
your doctor orders for proper healing. Although Flexeril relieves the pain of
strains and sprains, it is not useful for other types of pain.
Flexeril - Precautions
The effects of Flexeril during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It
is not known if Flexeril appears in breast milk. However, cyclobenzaprine is
related to tricyclic antidepressants, and some of those drugs do appear in
breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may
advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is
finished.
Flexeril - Drug Interactions
Serious, potentially fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril with an
antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil, Parnate) or if it
has been less than 2 weeks since you last took an MAO inhibitor. You should
closely follow your doctor's advice regarding discontinuation of MAO inhibitors
before taking Flexeril. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Flexeril. If
Flexeril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be
increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your
doctor before combining Flexeril with the following: Barbiturates such as
phenobarbital Guanethidine and other high blood pressure drugs Other drugs that
slow the central nervous system, such as Halcion and Xanax Tramadol (Ultram)
Flexeril - Dosage
ADULTS: The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 times a day. You should not take more
than 60 milligrams a day.
Flexeril - Missed Dose
Take it as soon as you remember, if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled
time. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Flexeril - If You Take Too Much
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect a
Flexeril overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Flexeril
overdose may include: Agitation, coma, confusion, congestive heart failure,
convulsions, dilated pupils, disturbed concentration, drowsiness,
hallucinations, high or low temperature, increased heartbeats, irregular heart
rhythms, muscle stiffness, overactive reflexes, severe low blood pressure,
stupor, vomiting High doses also may cause any of the conditions listed in
"What Side Effects May Occur?".