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.
Important information
You should not use cyclobenzaprine if you are allergic to it, or 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. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
Before taking this medicine
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:
To make sure cyclobenzaprine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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liver disease;
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glaucoma;
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enlarged prostate; or
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problems with urination.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.
FDA pregnancy category B. Cyclobenzaprine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
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.
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?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of cyclobenzaprine.
Cyclobenzaprine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to cyclobenzaprine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe drowsiness, fast heart rate;
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tremors or shaking;
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pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
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agitation, hallucinations, fever, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.
Common cyclobenzaprine side effects may include:
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headache, dizziness;
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drowsiness, tired feeling;
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trouble concentrating;
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blurred vision, dry mouth or throat, altered sense of taste; or
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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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Cyclobenzaprine dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Muscle Spasm:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally 3 times a day.
Based on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to either 7.5 mg or 10 mg 3 times a day.
Alternate doses include the 15 mg extended release capsule or 30 mg extended release capsule orally once a day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Muscle Spasm:
Because most muscle relaxants and antispasmodic drugs can cause anticholinergic adverse events, sedation, and weakness, and because their effectiveness at doses tolerated by elderly people is questionable, cyclobenzaprine meets the Beers criteria as a medication that is potentially inappropriate for use in older adults.
The manufacturer suggests an initial dose in the elderly of 5 mg, titrating slowly upward based on individual patient response.
Extended release formulations are not recommended for use in elderly patients.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Muscle Spasm:
Pediatric patients 15 years of age and older:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally 3 times a day.
Based on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to either 7.5 mg or 10 mg 3 times a day.
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 cyclobenzaprine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, 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.
