Cyclobenzaprine: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

 

Overview:

Cyclobenzaprine is a well-known medicine, typically used for the short-term cure of muscle spasms and in combination with physical and rest therapy. Cyclobenzaprine works by helping to relax the muscles¹.

If you want to use cyclobenzaprine orally, you should take it by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.

What is Cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine is a commonly used muscle relaxant with a favorable safety profile. This medication affects the central nervous system and may cause anticholinergic side effects. It has been studied for its effectiveness in managing acute pain in the neck and back, as well as fibromyalgia¹, ².

How Can I take Cyclobenaprine?

It's important to keep in mind some important facts about cyclobenzaprine.

• This medication should only be used for a short period, typically 3 weeks or less, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Cyclobenzaprine is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take this medication orally, with or without food.
• The appropriate dose of medication will depend on your specific medical condition and how your body responds to treatment.
• Don't take more than the prescribed dose or use it more often or for a longer duration, as taking more won't make you feel better faster, but it can increase the risk of side effects.
• Lastly, if your condition persists or worsens after 2 to 3 weeks, it's important to inform your doctor.

What are the Common Side Effects of Cyclobenzaprine?

The common side effects of Cyclobenzaprine include;

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Fatigue (tiredness)³

If you experience any of these symptoms for a long or get worse, immediately make an appointment with your healthcare provider.

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What are the Severe Side Effects of Cyclobenzaprine?

The severe side effects you may experience include;

• Irregular/fast heartbeat ³
• Trouble urination
• Mood /mental changes (such as hallucination and confusion)³  

If you experience any of these side effects inform your healthcare provider right away.

Your healthcare provider prescribed Cyclobenzaprine when they feel that the benefit of this medication is greater than the risk of side effects. However, most people who take this medication don’t experience serious side effects¹.

Severe Allergic Reactions:

You may experience severe allergic reactions after using Cyclobenzaprine such as;

• Itching or swelling (throat, tongue, or face)
• Rash
• Trouble breathing
• Severe dizziness

What Precaution should I Consider before Using Cyclobenzaprine?

There are some concerns associated with the usage of Cyclobenzaprine such as;

• You have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), liver disease, difficulty urination (due to enlarged prostate), heart problems (heart failure, irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack, heart block)³, or glaucoma.
• You experience allergic reactions after using Cyclobenzaprine because it contains inactive ingredients.
• Avoid Cyclobenzaprine if you have Serotonin syndrome (SS), because this medicine blocks the norepinephrin and serotonin transporters and binds to a further set of 5 serotonin receptors⁴.
• Avoid driving, operating any equipment, or anything that needs attentiveness until you can do it safely.
• Older people might feel the effects of this medicine more, especially when feeling sleepy, confused, constipated, or having trouble urinating. Feeling sleepy and confused can make it easier to fall.
• This medicine might make you feel dizzy or sleepy. Drinking alcohol or using marijuana (cannabis) can make you feel even more dizzy or sleepy. Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Talk to your doctor if you use marijuana (cannabis).
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the things you use (including medicines your doctor gave you, medicines you bought without a prescription, and herbal products).
• When you're pregnant, you should only use this medicine if you need it.
• We don't know if this medicine goes into breast milk. But similar medicines do go into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

How can I report side effects to the respective authorities?

In Canada:

You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

In U.S:

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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What are the Drugs that may interact with Cyclobenzaprine? 

Interacting with different drugs can change how your medicines work or raise the chance of serious side effects. This paper doesn't list all the possible drug interactions. Keep a record of all the things you use (including medicines your doctor gave you, medicines you bought without a prescription, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Don't start, stop, or change the amount of any medicines without your doctor saying it's okay.

Some things that might interact with this medicine are tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline, and imipramine).

• Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you use drugs that increase serotonin, like street drugs (like MDMA/"ecstasy"), St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (like SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tramadol, and others.
• Taking MAO inhibitors with this medicine might cause a serious (maybe deadly) drug interaction. Don't take MAO inhibitors (like isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) while you're using this medicine. Most MAO inhibitors also shouldn't be taken for two weeks before you start using this medicine. Ask your doctor when to start or stop using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're using other things that make you feel sleepy, like opioid pain or cough medicines (like codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), medicines for sleep or anxiety (like alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants (like carisoprodol, methocarbamol), or antihistamines (like cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
• Look at the labels on all your medicines (like allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they might have things that make you feel sleepy. Ask your pharmacist how to use those products safely.

What should I do if I take Overdose on Cyclobenzaprine?

If you overdosed on Cyclobenzaprine and have serious symptoms such as trouble breathing or passing out call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. If you are a US resident call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe drowsiness, trouble speaking, seizures, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion, and hallucinations).

What should I do if I miss my dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Where should I store Cyclobenaprine?

Keep Cyclobenzaprine at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Don't store it in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from kids and pets.

Don't flush this medicine down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless your doctor tells you to. Throw away this medicine when it's expired or you don't need it anymore. Ask your pharmacist or local waste disposal company how to do it properly.

Can I suggest this Medication to others?

Do not suggest Cyclobenzaprine to others. It has been prescribed for your current condition only. Don't use it later for another condition unless your doctor tells you to. You may need a different medicine for that. 

Conclusion:

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used for short-term relief of muscle spasms. It should be taken by mouth as directed by the doctor and for a short period, usually 3 weeks or less. It's important to be cautious about potential drug interactions and common side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. Precautions should be taken if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Store the medicine at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of the medicine when it's expired or no longer needed. If a dose is missed, take it when remembered, but do not double the dose.