CYCLOBENZAPRINE-ORAL (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), other heart problems (congestive heart failure, heart block or conduction disorders), recent heart attack, moderate or severe liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe difficulty urinating (urinary retention), glaucoma, mild liver disease. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Alcohol may enhance dizziness or drowsiness. Limit alcohol. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially drowsiness, mental/mood changes, and possibly heart problems which could lead to a fall. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information for similar drugs, cyclobenzaprine may pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before starting or after stopping treatment with this medication. In some cases, a serious, possibly fatal, drug interaction may occur. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: guanethidine, guanadrel. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting cyclobenzaprine. 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, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), stimulants and weight loss products (e.g., ephedrine, dextroamphetamine, phenylphrine), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), tranquilizers. Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, acid reducers) because they may contain ingredients which could increase the risk of side effects with cyclobenzaprine. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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