Flerexil®
The following information is a summary. It is
not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Flexeril - Uses
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve
muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as
sprains, strains, or pulls. Combined with rest
and physical therapy, Flexeril provides relief
of muscular stiffness and pain.
Flexeril - Directions
Flexeril may be taken with or without food. Flexeril
should be used only for short periods (no more
than 3 weeks). Since the type of injury that Flexeril
treats should improve in a few weeks, there is
no reason to use it for a longer period. Flexeril
may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing
gum, or melting ice chips in your mouth can provide
temporary relief.
Flexeril - Cautions
The effects of Flexeril during pregnancy have
not been adequately studied. 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 finished.
Flexeril - Side
Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop
or change in intensity, inform your doctor as
soon as possible. 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, gas, hallucinations,
headache, heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased
heart rate, indigestion, inflammation of the stomach,
itching, lack of coordination, liver diseases,
loss of sense of taste, low blood pressure, muscle
twitching, 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, unpleasant taste in
the mouth, urinating more or less than usual,
vague feeling of bodily discomfort, vertigo, vomiting,
weakness, yellow eyes and skin Problems such as
confusion or hallucinations are more likely in
older adults.
Flexeril - Notes
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.
Flexeril - Precautions
The effects of Flexeril during pregnancy have
not been adequately studied. 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 finished.
Flexeril - Drug
Interactions
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. Avoid
alcoholic beverages while 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
Other drugs that slow the central nervous system,
such as Halcion and Xanax Tramadol (Ultram)
Flexeril - Dosage
ADULTS: The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 times
a day. You should not take more than 60 milligrams
a day.
Flexeril - Missed
Dose
Take it 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.
Flexeril - If You
Take Too Much
Any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. If you suspect a Flexeril overdose,
seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of
Flexeril overdose may include: Agitation, coma,
confusion, congestive heart failure, convulsions,
dilated pupils, disturbed concentration, drowsiness,
hallucinations, high or low temperature, increased
heartbeats, irregular heart rhythms, muscle stiffness,
overactive reflexes, severe low blood pressure,
stupor, vomiting High doses also may cause any
of the conditions listed in "What Side Effects
May Occur?".
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