Flexeril

Flexeril

     * Generic Name: cyclobenzaprine hcl
     * Brand Name: Flexeril


     * What is cyclobenzaprine?
     * What are the possible side effects of cyclobenzaprine?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       cyclobenzaprine?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       cyclobenzaprine?
     * How should I take cyclobenzaprine?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking cyclobenzaprine?
     * What other drugs will affect cyclobenzaprine?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is cyclobenzaprine?

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

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

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

What are the possible side effects of cyclobenzaprine?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using cyclobenzaprine and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * severe drowsiness, fast heart rate;
     * tremors or shaking;
     * pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
     * agitation, hallucinations, fever, overactive reflexes, nausea,
       vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache, dizziness;
     * drowsiness, tired feeling;
     * trouble concentrating;
     * blurred vision, dry mouth or throat, altered sense of
       taste; or
     * nausea, upset stomach, constipation.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about cyclobenzaprine?

   You should not use cyclobenzaprine if you have a thyroid disorder,
   heart block, congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder,
   or you have recently had a heart attack.

   Do not use cyclobenzaprine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the
   past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine,
   rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

   Flexeril Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Low Back Pain Pictures Slideshow: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and
   Relief

   Low Back Pain Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Back Pain Quiz!
   Back Pain:Myths and Facts About Back Pain

   Back Pain Slideshow: Myths and Facts

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
cyclobenzaprine?

   Do not use cyclobenzaprine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the
   past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors
   include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline,
   and tranylcypromine.

   You should not use cyclobenzaprine if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * a heart rhythm disorder, or you have recently had a heart attack;
     * congestive heart failure;
     * heart block; or
     * a thyroid disorder.

   To make sure cyclobenzaprine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * liver disease;
     * glaucoma;
     * enlarged prostate; or
     * problems with urination.

   Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this
   medicine.

   Cyclobenzaprine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your
   doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

   It is not known whether cyclobenzaprine passes into breast milk or if
   it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are
   breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cyclobenzaprine?

   Cyclobenzaprine is usually taken once daily for only 2 or 3 weeks.
   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take the medicine at the same time each day.

   Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow
   it whole.

   You may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking
   cyclobenzaprine after long-term use. Ask your doctor how to avoid
   withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medicine.

   Cyclobenzaprine is only part of a complete program of treatment that
   may also include rest, physical therapy, or other pain relief measures.
   Follow your doctor's instructions.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Flexeril Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Low Back Pain Pictures Slideshow: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and
   Relief

   Low Back Pain Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Back Pain Quiz!
   Back Pain:Myths and Facts About Back Pain

   Back Pain Slideshow: Myths and Facts

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose of cyclobenzaprine can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking cyclobenzaprine?

   This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
   you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

What other drugs will affect cyclobenzaprine?

   Taking cyclobenzaprine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow
   your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects.
   Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain
   medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine
   for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with
   cyclobenzaprine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed
   in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about cyclobenzaprine.
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