Cyclobenzaprine
is a muscle relaxant most commonly
prescribed to relieve muscle spasms
resulting from injuries such as
sprains, strains, or pulls. In
conjunction with an overall health
plan, rest and physical therapy,
Cyclobenzaprine provides relief
of muscular stiffness and pain.
Cyclobenzaprine Directions?
Take exactly as prescribed
by your physician. Cyclobenzaprine may be
taken with or without food. Cyclobenzaprine
should be used only for short periods (no
more than 3 weeks). Cyclobenzaprine may cause
dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum,
or melting ice chips in your mouth can provide
temporary relief.
Cyclobenzaprine Side
Effects?
Side effects cannot
be anticipated. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Cyclobenzaprine.
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, hallucinations, headache,
heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased heart
rate, indigestion, inflammation of the stomach,
lack of coordination, liver diseases, low
blood pressure, 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,
urinating more or less than usual, vertigo,
vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin.
Problems such as confusion or hallucinations
are more likely in older adults.
Cyclobenzaprine Waringins?
If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. It is not known if Cyclobenzaprine
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 completed.
Cyclobenzaprine Drug
Interactions?
Avoid alcoholic beverages
while taking Cyclobenzaprine. Serious, potentially
fatal reactions may occur if you take Cyclobenzaprine
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 Cyclobenzaprine.
If Cyclobenzaprine 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
Cyclobenzaprine with the following: Barbiturates
such as phenobarbital Guanethidine and other
high blood pressure drugs that slow the central
nervous system, such as Halcion and Xanax
Tramadol (Ultram).
Cyclobenzaprine Missed
Dose?
If you miss a dose,
take as soon as remembered; do not take if
it is almost time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose
to catch up.
Cyclobenzaprine Storage?
Store at room temperature
away from sunlight and moisture.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine is
a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve
impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent
to your brain. Cyclobenzaprine is used to
relieve pain, tenderness, and limitation of
motion caused by muscle spasms. It is used,
along with rest and physical therapy, for
short-term treatment (i.e., 2 to 3 weeks).
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
