Cyclobenzaprine Uses, Brand Names, Mechanism Of Action

For best results, doctors recommend combining the use of Flexeril with rest and physical therapy. Another potential side effect of Flexeril is overdose if an individual takes too much of the flexeril mixed with alcohol drug. Although Flexeril doesn’t produce a euphoric high like many other drugs, people still misuse it due to its relaxing effects; many will increase dosages to amplify those effects.

Low-Dose Naltrexone Use in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia … – Cureus

Low-Dose Naltrexone Use in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia ….

Posted: Sun, 13 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Both cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol have depressive effects on the central nervous system and can interact with other drugs that have a similar effect, such as benzodiazepines, opiate pain medications, and antidepressants. When these drugs interact, it can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Skeletal muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, you should wait and see how these medications affect you before driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. The other dosage form of this medicine is an injection solution into a muscle or into a vein.

Cyclobenzaprine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

It is structurally similar to Amitryptilline, differing by only one double bond. Cyclobenzaprine is a weak inhibitor of presynaptic norepinephrine and serotonin. Skeletal muscle relaxant activity is due to brainstem mediated inhibition of gamma motor neurons.

A doctor will typically prescribe 5 mg of cyclobenzaprine, three times per day. Since Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that shows the depressive activity of the CNS, it is not recommended to drive or do any dangerous activity under the influence of Flexeril. Combining this drug with alcohol may worsen the side effects you may observe. Modifying the drug dose without consulting a physician to amplify its impact is also not recommended.

Peoplewho struggle with polydrug abuse issues may use cyclobenzaprine to get high or to enhance the high from other substances. This is a very dangerous practice that can quickly lead to addiction or overdose. It is important to get help overcoming substance abuse with the help of a hospital based detox program. With the right help, individuals can leave cyclobenzaprine abuse in the past and move toward a more balanced life in recovery.

• It is usually indicated in patients with spasticity such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.
• Soma, or carisoprodol, is a muscle relaxant that carries increased abuse potential.
• Evidence suggests that the net effect of cyclobenzaprine is a reduction of tonic somatic motor activity, influencing both gamma (?) and alpha (a) motor systems.

It is also much more addictive than conventional painkillers or Over-the-counter (OTC) Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) available in the market that are pain relievers in action. It is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), either. However, since Flexeril has properties that suppress pain, people may overuse it to amplify those feelings. The activity of Flexeril that depresses the Central Nervous System (CNS) makes it potentially addictive and dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms may last one or two weeks and include malaise, nausea, and headache. There are no dangerous withdrawal symptoms when ending use of cyclobenzaprine.

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

A Flexeril overdose can cause severe health problems such as cardiac arrest, dangerously low blood pressure, and seizures. Central nervous system depression, seizures, heart attack, and even death can occur. Cyclobenzaprine comes as a tablet and an extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The extended-release capsule is usually taken with or without food once a day. Do not take this drug for more than 3 weeks without talking to your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

People with heart conditions, especially previous heart attacks, blockages, heart rhythm issues, or congestive heart failure, should not take cyclobenzaprine. Cyclobenzaprine was approved for prescription use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1977, and it is not currently listed on any Schedule as part of the Controlled Substances Act. However, it is still a drug that is diverted for nonmedical or recreational abuse.

Patient Handout

We present this case as an example of the range of cyclobenzaprine toxicity and underline the treatment protocols used. For a thorough understanding of potential side effects, please consult a physician. Another rare side effect is an allergic reaction to the drug, manifested by hives and trouble breathing. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

Also, cyclobenzaprine can cause dry mouth because it has anticholinergic effects. As mentioned above, there is not a significant difference between Robaxin, Fexmid, Amrix, and other muscle relaxants in terms of efficacy in treating acute low back pain, other musculoskeletal pain, and muscle spasms. Clinicians should monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome if the patient is taking other serotonergic drugs.