Flexeril
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,
Flexeril provides relief of muscular
stiffness and pain.
Flexeril Directions?
Take exactly as prescribed
by your physician. Flexeril may be taken with
or without food. Flexeril should be used only
for short periods (no more than 3 weeks).
Flexeril may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard
candy, chewing gum, or melting ice chips in
your mouth can provide temporary relief.
Flexeril Side Effects?
Side effects cannot
be anticipated. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Flexeril.
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.
Flexeril Warnings?
If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. It is not known if Flexeril appears
in breast milk. However, Flexeril 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.
Flexeril Drug Interactions?
Avoid alcoholic beverages
while taking Flexeril. Serious, potentially
fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril
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 Flexeril.
If Flexeril 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
Flexeril 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).
Flexeril 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.
Flexeril Storage?
Store at room temperature
away from sunlight and moisture.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Flexeril?
Flexeril is a muscle
relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses
(or pain sensations) that are sent to your
brain. Flexeril 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.
