Flexeril Directions For Use

Generic Name: Cyclobenzaprine

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 is not a substitute for the physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor orders for proper healing. Although Flexeril relieves the pain of strains and sprains, it is not useful for other types of pain.

Do not share Flexeril with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if Flexeril 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.

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.

Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Flexeril for longer than prescribed. If you experience difficulty breathing or tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of Flexeril unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Do not drive, operated machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Flexeril. Using Flexeril alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

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.

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).

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.