Drug Uses

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

How Taken

Flexeril 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 Flexeril per day. It might be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take Flexeril as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

Warnings/Precautions

Flexeril 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 Flexeril. 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

Flexeril may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Flexeril at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

Linking pharmacology to clinical reports: cyclobenzaprine and its possible association with serotonin syndrome.
Authors: Mestres J, Seifert SA, Oprea TI Abstract The link between cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) administration and serotonin syndrome (SS) is subject to debate. Establishing such a connection is difficult because of the limited number of case reports available and the almost complete ignorance of its preclinical pharmacology. In this context, evidence is provided here that cyclobenzaprine blocks the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters and binds to another set of five serotonin receptors. SS should be considered when indicative signs occur in the context of cyclobenzaprine use. PMID: 21975349 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine Hcl) - updated on RxList
Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine Hcl) drug description - FDA approved labeling for prescription drugs and medications at RxList (Source: RxList - New and Updated Drug Monographs)

cyclobenzaprine, Flexeril, Amrix
Title: cyclobenzaprine, Flexeril, AmrixCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 7/12/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Chronic Pain General)

FLEXERIL (Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated [Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc]
Updated Date: Mar 18, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>

FLEXERIL (Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated [Keltman Pharmaceuticals Inc]
Updated Date: Feb 24, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))