Description

What Is Flexeril?

Flexeril has cyclobenzaprine. Healthcare professionals have used cyclobenzaprine as a treatment for short-term muscle spasms. Doctors may also recommend that you take rest and physical therapy along with your treatment.

But patients must know that muscle relaxants don’t directly fix the underlying injury. Instead, they might help lessen muscle spasm and pain associated with it as the body heals.

What Is Flexeril Prescribed For?

Cyclobenzaprine is used by doctors sometimes to treat muscle spasms caused by acute musculoskeletal problems. This medicine may help to reduce the muscle spasm and other symptoms like tenderness, pain and restricted movement.

Healthcare providers also usually limit the length of time cyclobenzaprine is used. MedlinePlus advises patients not to use it for more than three weeks without consulting their doctor.

What is the mechanism of action of cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It does not act directly on skeletal muscle . Instead, it acts through the central nervous system to decrease muscle activity .

Therefore, this should only be used as directed by a health care professional. Do not increase the amount or frequency of use without checking with your doctor.

Side Effects Common

Cyclobenzaprine, like other medicines, can cause side effects. Typical effects include:

• Sleepiness
• Lightheadedness
• Xerostomia
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Heartburn

Flexeril can make you drowsy. Do not drive or use machines until you know how you react to the medicine. It can also enhance some of its effects.

Important Safety Information

Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you take. That is, talk about antidepressants and other medicines that affect the nervous system.

Also, people should tell their doctor if they have certain heart conditions, glaucoma, trouble urinating, liver disease or thyroid problems. “Cyclobenzaprine isn’t right for everybody.

Important: Do not take cyclobenzaprine if you are taking MAO inhibitors (such as trancypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, or selegiline) or have stopped taking them in the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening reactions can occur.

FAQs

Can you still get Flexeril?

Flexeril, the original branded product, is no longer available in the U.S. However, you may be able to find generic alternatives of cyclobenzaprine.

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant?

Yes. Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to relieve certain types of muscle spasm.

Does Flexeril cause drowsiness?

Yes. Drowsiness and dizziness may occur. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until they know how they react to the medicine.

Summary

Cyclobenzaprine is a drug used for brief term muscle spasms . Flexeril is a previous brand name . Therefore, patients should take cyclobenzaprine only under appropriate medical supervision. You should always talk to a doctor or chemist before starting treatment, and discuss other medicines, medical conditions, and possible side effects.