Cyclobenzaprine: Uses
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant prescribed to relieve muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as sprains, strains, or pulls. Combined with rest and physical therapy, Cyclobenzaprine provides relief of muscular stiffness and pain.

Cyclobenzaprine: How to use this medication
Cyclobenzaprine may be taken with or without food. Cyclobenzaprine 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. Cyclobenzaprine may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or melting ice chips in your mouth can provide temporary relief.

Cyclobenzaprine: Cautions
The effects of Cyclobenzaprine 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 Cyclobenzaprine 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.

Cyclobenzaprine: 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 Cyclobenzaprine. 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.

Cyclobenzaprine: Precautions
The effects of Cyclobenzaprine 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 Cyclobenzaprine appears in breast milk. However, Cyclobenzaprine is related to tricyclic antidepressants, and some of those drugs do appear in breast milk. If Cyclobenzaprine is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.

Cyclobenzaprine: Drug interactions
Serious, potentially fatal reactions may occur if you take Cyclobenzaprine 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 Cyclobenzaprine. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Cyclobenzaprine. If Cyclobenzaprine 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 Cyclobenzaprine 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)

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

Cyclobenzaprine: Doseage
Adults The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 times a day. You should not take more than Cyclobenzaprine 60 milligrams a day.

Cyclobenzaprine: 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 Cyclobenzaprine doses at once.

Cyclobenzaprine: If you take too much
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect a Cyclobenzaprine overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Cyclobenzaprine 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?"

Cyclobenzaprine: Storage
Store Cyclobenzaprine away from heat, light, and moisture.