Cyclobenzaprine is used to help relax certain muscles in your body. It helps relieve pain, stiffness, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or injuries to your muscles.
| Product Name | Price | Shipping | Total | Order |
| Cyclobenzaprine 10mg (Gen. for Flexeril) 120 Tabs | $139 | free | $139 | Order |
| Cyclobenzaprine 10mg (Gen. for Flexeril) 180 Tabs | $149 | free | $149 | Order |
However, this medicine does not take the place of rest, exercise or physical therapy, or other treatment that your doctor may recommend for your medical problem. Cyclobenzaprine acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects. Its actions on the CNS may also cause some of this medicine’s side effects.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
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- Capsule, Extended Release
- Tablet
- Suspension
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US Brand Name
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- Amrix
- Fexmid
- Flexeril
- FusePaq Tabradol
How cyclobenzaprine works
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. It works in the brain to help relieve muscle spasms.
What is cyclobenzaprine used for?
- Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not chronic) conditions when things like rest or physical therapy aren’t enough on their own
Cyclobenzaprine dosage forms
Typical dosing for cyclobenzaprine
- Short-acting tablets: The typical dose for adults and children over 15 years old is 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth 3 times a day as needed. This form of cyclobenzaprine is not FDA-approved for use in children under 15 years old.
- Long-acting capsules: The typical dose for adults over 18 years old is 15 mg by mouth once a day. If this strength isn’t enough, your provider may raise this dose to either 30 mg by mouth once a day or 15 mg by mouth twice a day. This form of cyclobenzaprine is not FDA-approved for use in children under 18 years old.
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of cyclobenzaprine extended-release capsules in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Because of the possibility of higher blood levels in the elderly as compared to younger adults, use of cyclobenzaprine extended-release capsules is not recommended in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bepridil
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Levomethadyl
- Linezolid
- Mesoridazine
- Methylene Blue
- Moclobemide
- Pargyline
- Phenelzine
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Saquinavir
- Selegiline
- Sparfloxacin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Tranylcypromine
- Ziprasidone
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Alfentanil
- Almotriptan
- Amineptine
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amphetamine
- Anagrelide
- Apomorphine
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Artemether
- Asenapine
- Balofloxacin
- Bedaquiline
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzphetamine
- Besifloxacin
- Bromazepam
- Buprenorphine
- Buserelin
- Butriptyline
- Cannabidiol
- Ceritinib
- Cetirizine
- Chloroquine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clobazam
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Codeine
- Crizotinib
- Dabrafenib
- Dasatinib
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Dibenzepin
- Dihydrocodeine
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Doxylamine
- Droperidol
- Duloxetine
- Efavirenz
- Encorafenib
- Enoxacin
- Entrectinib
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Esketamine
- Fenfluramine
- Fentanyl
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Flibanserin
- Fluconazole
- Flumequine
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Foscarnet
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Gamma Hydroxybutyrate
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Glasdegib
- Glycopyrrolate
- Glycopyrronium Tosylate
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- Halofantrine
- Histrelin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxytryptophan
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibutilide
- Iloperidone
- Imipramine
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Iprindole
- Ivabradine
- Ivosidenib
- Ketoconazole
- Lapatinib
- Lasmiditan
- Lefamulin
- Lemborexant
- Lenvatinib
- Levofloxacin
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lofexidine
- Lomefloxacin
- Lorcaserin
- Loxapine
- Lumefantrine
- Macimorelin
- Melitracen
- Meperidine
- Metaxalone
- Methacholine
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Metoclopramide
- Metronidazole
- Midazolam
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Moxifloxacin
- Nadifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Nefazodone
- Nilotinib
- Norfloxacin
- Nortriptyline
- Ofloxacin
- Ondansetron
- Opipramol
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Ozanimod
- Paliperidone
- Palonosetron
- Panobinostat
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Periciazine
- Pimavanserin
- Pitolisant
- Pixantrone
- Posaconazole
- Pregabalin
- Propizepine
- Protriptyline
- Prulifloxacin
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Ranolazine
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Revefenacin
- Ribociclib
- Rufloxacin
- Scopolamine
- Secretin Human
- Selpercatinib
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Sibutramine
- Siponimod
- Sodium Oxybate
- Sodium Phosphate
- Solifenacin
- Sotalol
- Sufentanil
- Sulpiride
- Sunitinib
- Tacrolimus
- Tapentadol
- Telithromycin
- Tetrabenazine
- Tianeptine
- Tiotropium
- Tizanidine
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Triclabendazole
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Vandetanib
- Vemurafenib
- Venlafaxine
- Verapamil
- Vilazodone
- Vinflunine
- Voriconazole
- Vortioxetine
- Zolpidem
- Zuclopenthixol
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
- Tobacco
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Congestive heart failure or
- Heart attack, recent or
- Heart block or
- Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia) or
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
- Glaucoma, angle closure, history of or
- Trouble urinating, history of—Use with caution. May these conditions worse.
- Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body. .
Proper Use
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of serious side effects.
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over one tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Rinse the mouth to make sure all of the medicine have been swallowed. Do not save any of the mixture to use later.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. 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.
- For relaxing stiff muscles:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- Adults—15 milligrams (mg) once a day. Some patients may need 30 mg (one 30 mg capsule or two 15 mg capsules) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults and children 15 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day. The largest amount should be no more than 60 mg (six 10-mg tablets) a day.
- Children younger than 15 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.
If your condition does not improve within 2 or 3 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
Do not use the extended-release capsules if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within 14 days of each other.
Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect serotonin levels in your body.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, other muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause some people to have blurred vision or to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. 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.
Cyclobenzaprine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
Can cyclobenzaprine help with anxiety?
Cyclobenzaprine should not be used for anxiety. It can cause some of the same side effects that many anti-anxiety medications do, such as drowsiness and sleepiness. But, it is not meant to be used for this purpose. Talk to your healthcare provider to discuss better options for treating anxiety.
Is cyclobenzaprine a pain killer?
No. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxer. While it can relieve pain due to muscle spasms, it does not relieve pain due to other types of pain such as inflammatory or nerve pain.
Side Effects of Flexeril
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- confusion
- fainting
- mental depression
- problems in urinating
- ringing or buzzing in the ears
- skin rash, hives, or itching occurring without other symptoms of an allergic reaction listed above
- unusual thoughts or dreams
- yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
- Convulsions (seizures)
- drowsiness (severe)
- dry, hot, flushed skin
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
- increase or decrease in body temperature
- troubled breathing
- unexplained muscle stiffness
- unusual nervousness or restlessness (severe)
- vomiting (occurring together with other symptoms of overdose)
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Blurred vision
- dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness
- dryness of the mouth
Less common or rare
- Bloated feeling or gas, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, or stomach cramps or pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- excitement or nervousness
- frequent urination
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- headache
- muscle twitching
- numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet
- pounding heartbeat
- problems in speaking
- trembling
- trouble sleeping
- unpleasant taste or other taste changes
- unusual muscle weakness
- unusual tiredness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking another medicine that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Pharmacist tips for cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclobenzaprine can be taken as needed. It starts to work pretty quickly, and you don’t need to take it consistently for it to be effective.
- Cyclobenzaprine should only be used for a short period of time. It’s not meant to be used long-term because the types of pain it treats should not be chronic. If you have chronic muscle spasms, there might be a better alternative for you.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter products. Cyclobenzaprine can interact with certain medications, including many antidepressants, and lead to a rare but life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
- Side effects like dizziness and sleepiness are common. Don’t drink alcohol while taking cyclobenzaprine, as it can make these side effects worse.
- Let your provider know if you use other medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids. Cyclobenzaprine can cause life-threatening drowsiness or trouble breathing when combined with these other medications.
- Cyclobenzaprine can affect your ability to focus and concentrate. Avoid driving or performing any activity that requires a lot of attention until you know how this medication affects you.
- A common side effect of cyclobenzaprine is dry mouth. Chewing gum or sucking on ice can help with this. There are also special mouthwashes and lozenges available at your local pharmacy that can help.