Brand Names: Amrix, Comfort Pac with Cyclobenzaprine, Fexmid, Flexeril

Generic Name: cyclobenzaprine (sye kloe BEN za preen)

What is cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

Cyclobenzaprine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Cyclobenzaprine comes in 10 mg tablets, and the normal dose in adults is one 10 mg tablet three times daily. You should not exceed a total dosage of 60 mg of Cyclobenzaprine per day. It might be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take Cyclobenzaprine as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

Warnings/Precautions

Cyclobenzaprine may not be suitable for all individuals. If you have had any of the following conditions in the past, or are being treated for them now, please inform your doctor. In some cases side effects may be minimized by following your doctor\'s advice, but you may be advised not to take Cyclobenzaprine. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, difficulty urinating or any allergies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking this drug.

Missed 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 a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

May cause stomach upset, heartburn, constipation, headache, dizziness or drowsiness or dry mouth the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: muscle stiffness, skin rash, itching, rapid heart rate, swelling of the face, difficulty urinating. When rising quickly from a sitting or lying position, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur. Change positions slowly and use caution on stairs. Avoid activities requiring alertness if dizziness or drowsiness occurs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) and out of reach of children.

Overdose

The following symptoms indicate an overdose, get medical help immediately: difficulty breathing, extreme nervousness or restlessness, flushed skin, hallucination, racing or irregular heartbeat, seizure, shortness of breath, tiredness (extreme), unstable temperature, unusual muscle stiffness, vomiting (in combination with these other symptoms).

More Information

Cyclobenzaprine may have life-threatening interactions with MAO inhibitors. Cyclobenzaprine may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.

Where can I get more information?

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.