Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle
spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works
by helping to relax the muscles.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more
often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any
faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. This medication should only be used short-term (for
3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor.
ell your doctor if your condition lasts after 2 to 3
weeks or if it gets worse.
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, or
tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations)
- trouble urinating
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart block,
heart failure, recent heart attack)
- difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged
prostate)
- glaucoma
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble
urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of
falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline,
imipramine)
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a
serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors
(isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline,
tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors
should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this
medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this
medication.
Before using this medication, report the use of drugs
that increase serotonin, including street drugs (such as MDMA/"ecstasy"),
St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as
fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tramadol,
among others.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants
(such as carisoprodol, methocarbamol), or antihistamines (such as
cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe drowsiness, trouble speaking,
seizures, mental/mood changes (such as confusion,
hallucinations).
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your
doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in
that case.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.