cyclobenzaprine

This medication relaxes muscles. It is used along with rest and physical therapy to decrease muscle pain and spasms associated with strains, sprains, or other muscle injuries.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Take this medication by mouth usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed because doing so increases the risk of side effects. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects. For best results, take the medication at the same time each day. This medication is intended for short-term use, usually no longer than 3 weeks, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your condition does not improve in 2 to 3 weeks, contact your doctor.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction may occur. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain types of asthma drugs (e.g., albuterol, salmeterol), cimetidine, clonidine, guanethidine, guanadrel, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), stimulants and weight loss products (e.g., ephedrine, dextroamphetamine, phenylephrine), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: some antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, acid reducers) because they may contain ingredients that could increase the risk of side effects with cyclobenzaprine. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, fast/irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, hallucinations, chest pain, seizures, increased muscle stiffness with fever and sweating.

Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), certain heart problems (irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure, heart block/rhythm disorders, recent heart attack). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe difficulty urinating (urinary retention), high pressure inside the eyes (glaucoma), liver disease. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. This medication is not recommended for use in the elderly. They may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, which can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, constipation, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations), difficulty urinating, loss of coordination. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, fainting, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting/lack of appetite, dark urine, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.