Cyclobenzaprine (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How this meication should be used
Cyclobenzaprine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day. Do not take this drug for more than 3 weeks without talking to your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cyclobenzaprine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Special precautions
Before taking cyclobenzaprine:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyclobenzaprine or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially medications for depression, seizures, allergies, coughs, or colds; MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, glaucoma, or difficulty urinating.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cyclobenzaprine, call your doctor immediately.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Side effects
Minor side effects
Cyclobenzaprine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- upset stomach
Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe skin rash
- swelling of the face or tongue
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- irregular heart rate
- chest pain
- fever
- seizures
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Flexeril®