Cyclobenzaprine Uses, Brand Names, Mechanism Of Action

It is available in immediate-release tabletsof 5 milligrams, 7.5 milligrams, and 10 milligrams and extended-release capsules of 15 milligrams and 30 milligrams and is usually given three times daily. The extended-release formulation should be administered at the same time each day. The capsule may be swallowed whole, but its contents also may be sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce for immediate consumption without chewing the granules. The patient should rinse their mouth to ensure that they have swallowed all the contents.

Flexeril is a medication belonging to a class of skeletal muscle relaxants used to treat muscle spasms. These spasms may be induced by significant injuries of the musculoskeletal system or even due to usual physiological activities. This muscle relaxant works by blocking the pain signals and relieves the discomfort caused by muscle spasms.

The skeletal muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine is a potent non-competitive antagonist of histamine H1 receptors

It is available in the form of tablets and extended-release capsules. Studies have compared cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, and other skeletal muscle relaxants and found that they are equally effective in treating acute musculoskeletal conditions. Cyclobenzaprine is one of the most studied skeletal muscle relaxants, with solid evidence and systematic reviews supporting its effectiveness. A case of cyclobenzaprine (flexeril) overdose and the resultant rhabdomyolysis is presented. A review of the range of clinical toxicity, management of overdose is described. The similarity of cyclobenzaprine to the tricyclic antidepressant class is emphasized; this report attempts to disseminate related information on this commonly prescribed centrally acting muscle relaxant.

Alcohol is commonly abused alongside muscle relaxers like Flexeril because the substances amplify each others’ effects, causing the individual to experience a more intense sedation or high. When used for illicit purposes, the drug is often referred to as “cyclone” or “mellow yellow” with recreational doses ranging from 20 to 80 mg. At these dosages, users report mild to moderate drowsiness and relaxation as the primary effects. Compared with other commonly abused CNS depressants, cyclobenzaprine’s effects are considered to be mild, limiting its popularity as a recreational drug.

  • Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant acting primarily on the central nervous system.
  • Modifying the drug dose without consulting a physician to amplify its impact is also not recommended.
  • Cyclobenzaprine is only effective at relieving pain for the first two weeks; after that, the body develops at tolerance to the medication, so it is no longer effective, even at higher doses.
  • The most common adverse reactions to cyclobenzaprine are somnolence, dry mucous membranes, dizziness, and confusion.
  • The drug can disrupt neurotransmitter action in the brain, which may increase the euphoric feeling on a short-term basis but can also cause brain damage and cognitive difficulties after long-term abuse.
  • Cyclobenzaprine is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants.

Although it is an unscheduled drug with a relatively low potential for abuse, people can develop compulsive patterns of use with cyclobenzaprine, which can lead to serious consequences. Cyclobenzaprine medications are not DEA Scheduled drugs and, therefore, the potential for misuse and dependence with Flexeril is considered to be relatively low. Muscle relaxants are frequently used as an adjunct to other medications (mostly NSAIDs) in patients with myofascial pain. Easily book a session can flexeril kill a dog with our online doctors to assist you with a wide range of non-life-threatening illnesses (including mental health conditions) from the comfort of your own home. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital.

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Cyclobenzaprine is typically prescribed to relieve pain and muscle spasms. Typically, muscle spasms occur in an injury to stabilize the affected body part and prevent further damage. It is believed that by decreasing muscular spasm, pain is diminished. A common application would be that of a whiplash injury in a car accident.

Within the last five years, emergency room department visits related to muscle relaxant abuse almost doubled; they increased from 15,830 to 31,763 visits. While all the medicines are effective, one specific muscle relaxant might work better than others for you. Methocarbamol can be used for long or short-term treatment as advised by a doctor. On the other hand, cyclobenzaprine is generally not prescribed for longer than two or three weeks. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse or NIDA, more than 50 million Americans aged 12 and over have reportedly misused a prescription drug at least once in their life.

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The medicine treats the condition by providing intermittent relief to the pain caused due to the spasms. It blocks the pathway of neurotransmitters that are responsible for the sensation of pain. It relaxes only the muscles and not the actual causative nerves behind the pain.

Professional treatment for Flexeril misuse—whether in combination with other substances or alone—can help people end their compulsive use and improve their health and wellbeing. The presence of discontinuation symptoms alone is not indicative of addiction. Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Flexeril only for the indication prescribed.

Withdrawal symptoms consisting of nausea, headache, and malaise have been reported following abrupt cessation of cyclobenzaprine after prolonged use. Flexeril is prescribed to treat short-term pain and discomfort that stems from muscle injuries, including strains, sprains, and spasms. Typically, a doctor will prescribe Flexeril as part of a treatment plan that also includes rest and physical therapy. In some cases, Flexeril can be used in order to treat pain from certain musculoskeletal disorders like fibromyalgia.