GENERIC NAME: cyclobenzaprine
BRAND NAME: Flexeril
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle
relaxant.
Specifically, cyclobenzaprine relieves muscle spasm when the
spasm is due
to local problems (that is, problems originating in the muscle
itself and
not in the nerves controlling the muscles). Cyclobenzaprine has
no effect
on muscle function. Cyclobenzaprine seems to accomplish its
beneficial
effect through a complex mechanism within the nervous system,
probably in
the brainstem.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored between 5° and
30° C
(41° and 86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cyclobenzaprine is used together with
rest and
physical therapy for short-term relief of painful muscle
conditions. It is
only for short-term use, up to 2 to 3 weeks.
DOSING: Cyclobenzaprine is most often prescribed three
times
daily but should be taken according to the physician's
recommendations.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cyclobenzaprine is chemically
related to the
tricyclic class of antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, Elavil;
nortriptyline, Pamelor). As such, it should not be taken with
or within
two weeks of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor, for example,
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and
procarbazine (Matulane). High fever, convulsions and even death
can occur
when these drugs are used together. Additionally,
cyclobenzaprine
interacts with other medications and drugs that slow the brain's
processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (e.g.
lorazepam, Ativan), and narcotics.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of
cyclobenzaprine in
pregnant women. However, studies in animals suggest no
important effects
on the fetus. Cyclobenzaprine therefore can be used in
pregnancy if the
physician feels that it is necessary.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether
cyclobenzaprine is secreted in milk. However, since it is related to the
tricyclic antidepressants, some of which are excreted in breast milk,
caution is
advised in using this medication in lactating women.
SIDE EFFECTS: Among the most common side effects of
cyclobenzaprine are drowsiness (which occurs in between 1 in 6
and 1 in 3
persons), dry mouth (between 1 in 14 and 1 in 4), and dizziness
(between 1
in 30 and 1 in 9). Other reported side effects, for which the
incidence is
less than 1 in 30, include nausea, tiredness, constipation,
blurred
vision, unpleasant taste, nervousness, confusion, and abdominal
pain or
discomfort.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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