What is Flexeril ?
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a sedative. It works by preventing nerve impulses (or pain sensations) from reaching your brain. Flexeril is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, injury, or spasms in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.
Flexeril Uses
It is used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries. It belongs to a class of drugs known as skeletal muscle relaxants. It works by relaxing the muscles by acting on the brain and nervous system.
How to use?
- Flexeril is typically taken once daily for two or three weeks. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets and follow all directions on your prescription label. Your dosages may be adjusted from time to time by your doctor.
- Take the medication at the same time.
- If your symptoms do not improve or get worse after three weeks, contact your doctor.
- Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
Flexeril Side Effects
More common side effects are
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Dryness of the mouth
Less common side effects are
- Bloating or gas
- Indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Excitement or nervousness
- Frequent urination
- Headache
- Muscle twitching
- Numbness,tingling
- Pounding heartbeat
- Trembling
- Trouble sleeping
Precautions
- If you are allergic to it, or any of the ingredients present in the tablet or capsule, tell your doctor and pharmacist.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently stopped taking any of the following medications - MAO inhibitors, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. If you are taking any of these medications, your doctor will most likely advise you not to take cyclobenzaprine.
- Inform your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack or if you have an overactive thyroid gland. Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart block, or other problems with your heart's electrical impulses. Your doctor will most likely advise you not to take this medicine
- Inform your doctor if you have increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma, difficulty urinating, or liver disease.
- If you are 65 or older, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this. it should not be taken by older adults because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
- Call your doctor right away if you are pregnant while taking cyclobenzaprine. It is not known whether this passes into breast milk or not. Before breastfeeding consult a doctor
Interactions
- Drug interactions can change the way your medications function or put you at risk for serious side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants are one example of a product that may interact with this medication (such as amitriptyline, imipramine).
- Using MAO inhibitors in conjunction with this medication may result in a serious drug interaction. During treatment with this medication, do not take MAO inhibitors. Most MAO inhibitors should also be avoided for two weeks before starting this medication. Consult your doctor about when to begin or stop taking this medication.
Overdose
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Missed Dose
It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time. If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage
The medicine must not come in contact with heat, air, light and may damage it. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and far away from children’s reach.
Flexeril vs Baclofen
| It is a sedative. It is used in conjunction with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains. | Baclofen, also known as Lioresal. Baclofen is both a muscle relaxant and an antispasmodic. |
| It is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, injury, or spasms in conjunction with rest and physical therapy. | Baclofen is a medication that is used to treat muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness in people who have multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury or disease. |
| It works by preventing nerve impulses (or pain sensations) from reaching your brain. | It may also be used to treat hiccups and muscle spasms in the final stages of life. It is administered orally or through the spinal canal. |
Citations
Flexeril, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2305962/
Flexeril in pulmonary hypertension in neonates, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/14767058.2013.850663
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flexeril a strong muscle relaxer?
Robaxin and Flexeril are both effective medications for musculoskeletal pain and muscle spasms. The more effective drug is the one that works best for a particular situation. Flexeril is one of the most researched muscle relaxants, so there is more evidence to support its efficacy.
Does Flexeril make you sleepy?
Drowsiness is a common side effect of Flexeril 10 mg. People should avoid tasks that necessitate alertness until they know how Flexeril will affect them. Some people may not feel drowsiness at all, while others may feel it intensely. Other common Flexeril side effects include nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Is Flexeril a pain killer?
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that is commonly prescribed to treat pain and discomfort caused by muscle injuries.
Does Flexeril help with nerve pain?
It works by blocking pain-related nerve impulses and is frequently combined with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), anti-inflammatory NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
Is Flexeril an anti-inflammatory?
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and it is a muscle relaxant (NSAID). Headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain or discomfort are all common side effects of cyclobenzaprine and naproxen.
What does Flexeril do to your body?
It is a sedative. It works by preventing nerve impulses (or pain sensations) from reaching your brain. This is used to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, injury, or spasms in conjunction with rest and physical therapy.
Can you drive on Flexeril 5mg?
While there are a number of potential side effects and complications associated with taking it, one of the most serious is the possibility of drowsiness or dizziness. While taking it do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that requires you to be alert. Also, stay away from alcohol.
What medications should not be taken with Flexeril?
During treatment with this medication, do not take MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Most MAO inhibitors should also be avoided for two weeks before starting this medication.
Is Flexeril the same as cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasms in the short term. It is used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy. It works by relaxing the muscles. Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid are some of the brand names for cyclobenzaprine.
Can Flexeril cause bladder problems?
Notify your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects, such as fast or irregular heartbeat, mood changes (such as confusion or hallucinations), or difficulty urinating. It is uncommon for this drug to cause a severe allergic reaction.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
