Cyclobenzaprine Davis’s Drug Guide for Rehabilitation Professionals McGraw Hill Medical

Some patients also report gastrointestinal issues (stomach problems) like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite, as well as dry mouth (11, 12). Cyclobenzaprine shares chemical similarities to tricyclic antidepressants, which are also sometimes prescribed to address muscle pain (2). It works by inhibiting serotonin transmission at the spinal cord (3). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter chemical that helps carry pain signals to the brain (4). By preventing serotonin transmission, cyclobenzaprine alleviates pain by reducing the number of pain signals that reach the central nervous system.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Cyclobenzaprine has moderate interactions with at least 43 different drugs. Acute recovery phase of myocardial infarction, and patients with arrhythmias, heart block or conduction disturbances, or congestive heart failure. Safety and effectiveness of FLEXERIL in pediatric patients below 15 years of age have not been established.

More about Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)

Providers mainly prescribe antispasmodic skeletal muscle relaxants for musculoskeletal and myofascial pain, especially lower back pain, and muscle spasms. Because it’s generally prescribed as a short-term response to acute how long does flexeril take to work pain, Flexeril abuse is rather unlikely. However, cyclobenzaprine and other muscle relaxants can be abused if they’re taken in excessive doses, so patients should be careful to adhere to their doctor’s instructions.

Comparison studies have not shown one skeletal muscle relaxant to be superior to another. Cyclobenzaprine is the most heavily studied and has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions. The sedative properties of tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine may benefit patients with insomnia caused by severe muscle spasms. Methocarbamol and metaxalone are less sedating, although effectiveness evidence is limited. Adverse effects, particularly dizziness and drowsiness, are consistently reported with all skeletal muscle relaxants.

• Eight double-blind controlled clinical studies were performed in 642 patients comparing FLEXERIL 10 mg, diazepam1, and placebo.
• Other drugs may interact with cyclobenzaprine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
• Signs of Flexeril overdose include agitation, trouble speaking or moving, and hallucinations (15).

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Although it is an unscheduled drug with a relatively low potential for abuse, people can develop compulsive patterns of use with cyclobenzaprine, which can lead to serious consequences. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Hepatic Impairment

However, these medications aren’t the first-line therapy for the treatment of pain or spasms. They’re alternative therapy after first- or second-line therapies haven’t worked. This is due to the adverse side effects of antispasmodics, including addiction potential for some types of the medication. If your doctor prescribes an antidepressant for your pain, give it a try for several weeks.

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Muscle spasm, local pain and tenderness, limitation of motion, and restriction in activities of daily living were evaluated. In three of these studies there was a significantly greater improvement with FLEXERIL than with diazepam, while in the other studies the improvement following both treatments was comparable. The plasma concentration of cyclobenzaprine is generally higher in the elderly and in patients with hepatic impairment. Cyclobenzaprine reduced or abolished skeletal muscle hyperactivity in several animal models. Animal studies indicate that cyclobenzaprine does not act at the neuromuscular junction or directly on skeletal muscle.

This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Sep 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 28 Aug 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Aug 2023) and others. Yes, cyclobenzaprine can make you very sleepy and this side effect may get worse with higher doses.

Steroid, anesthetic, or radiofrequency denervation injections may be necessary to combat some forms of pain and inflammation. Physical therapy can help with back pain, knee pain, and neck pain. Especially in the case of back pain, physical therapy is an effective first-line treatment. Physical therapists combine stretches and exercises to strengthen muscles and relieve pressure from joints. 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 are related to the central nervous system (CNS), and include drowsiness, dizziness, and nervousness (10).