Cyclobenzaprine - muscle aches. pains

Cyclobenzaprine®

Generic Name: cyclobenzaprine
Brand Names: Fexmid, Flexeril

Drug Uses
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant, used to treat the pain and stiffness of muscle injuries, including strains, sprains and muscle spasms. The active ingredient in Cyclobenzaprine is cyclobenzaprine.

How Taken
Cyclobenzaprine comes in 10 mg tablets, and the normal dose in adults is one 10 mg tablet three times daily. You should not exceed a total dosage of 60 mg of Cyclobenzaprine per day. It might be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take Cyclobenzaprine as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

Warnings/Precautions
Cyclobenzaprine may not be suitable for all individuals. If you have had any of the following conditions in the past, or are being treated for them now, please inform your doctor. In some cases side effects may be minimized by following your doctor's advice, but you may be advised not to take Cyclobenzaprine. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, difficulty urinating or any allergies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking this drug.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
May cause stomach upset, heartburn, constipation, headache, dizziness or drowsiness or dry mouth the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: muscle stiffness, skin rash, itching, rapid heart rate, swelling of the face, difficulty urinating. When rising quickly from a sitting or lying position, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur. Change positions slowly and use caution on stairs. Avoid activities requiring alertness if dizziness or drowsiness occurs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) and out of reach of children.

Overdose
The following symptoms indicate an overdose, get medical help immediately: difficulty breathing, extreme nervousness or restlessness, flushed skin, hallucination, racing or irregular heartbeat, seizure, shortness of breath, tiredness (extreme), unstable temperature, unusual muscle stiffness, vomiting (in combination with these other symptoms).

More Information
Cyclobenzaprine may have life-threatening interactions with MAO inhibitors. Cyclobenzaprine may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.

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

Cyclobenzaprine is used to treat pain, tenderness, and limited motion caused by muscle spasms. This medication is used together with rest and physical therapy for short-term treatment (2 to 3 weeks).

Cyclobenzaprine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not take cyclobenzaprine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cyclobenzaprine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

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

Do not stop taking cyclobenzaprine suddenly if you have been taking it for longer than 1 week. Stopping suddenly may cause nausea, headache and general discomfort.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of cyclobenzaprine. Cyclobenzaprine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

a heart rhythm disorder;
congestive heart failure;
heart block; or
an overactive thyroid.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

problems with urination;
enlarged prostate;
glaucoma; or
liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use cyclobenzaprine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to 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. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old.

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

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

This medication is usually taken three times each day for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Do not use cyclobenzaprine for longer than 3 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not stop taking cyclobenzaprine suddenly if you have been taking it for longer than 1 week. Stopping suddenly may cause nausea, headache and general discomfort.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cyclobenzaprine.