Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. Specifically,
cyclobenzaprine relieves muscle spasm when the spasm is due to local problems,
that is, 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. The FDA approved
cyclobenzaprine in August 1977.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 5 and 10 mg. Capsules (Extended Release): 15 and 30
mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored between 15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Cyclobenzaprine is used with rest and physical therapy for
short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and
skeletal conditions. It is only for short-term use, up to two or three weeks.
DOSING: The recommended dose of cyclobenzaprine dose is 5 or 10 mg three
times daily using immediate release tablets or 15 or 30 mg once daily using
extended release tablets.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cyclobenzaprine is chemically related to the tricyclic
class of antidepressants (for example,
amitriptyline [ Elavil, Endep],
nortriptyline [ Pamelor]). As such, it should not be taken with or within two
weeks of any monoamine oxidase (MAO) 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 (for example, diazepam [Valium], 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 women
who are breastfeeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of cyclobenzaprine include drowsiness, dry
mouth, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Other reported side effects include
nausea, constipation, blurred vision, unpleasant taste, nervousness, confusion,
acid reflux, and abdominal pain or discomfort. Abrupt cessation after prolonged
therapy may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and weakness.
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
The knee joint is composed of three compartments and ligaments which stabilize the joint. Causes of knee pain may include injury, degeneration, infrequently infection and rarely bone tumors. Although routine x-rays do not revel meniscus tears, they can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and tissues. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic disease, as well as immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body.
Muscle spasms are involuntary muscle contractions that come on suddenly and are usually quite painful. Dehydration, doing strenuous exercise in a hot environment, prolonged muscle use, and certain diseases of the nervous system may cause muscle spasms. Symptoms and signs of a muscle spasm include an acute onset of pain and a possible bulge seen or felt beneath the skin where the muscle is located. Gently stretching the muscle usually resolves a muscle spasm.
Fibromyalgia, formerly
known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and
tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation. Fibromyalgia patients have an unusually low pain threshold. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, abnormal sleep, mental/emotional disturbances, abdominal pain, migraine and tension headaches, and irritable bladder. Treatment of fibromyalgia involves patient education, medication, exercise, and stress reduction.
Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within 24 hours) to severe (which can require surgical repair). Tendinitis of the ankle can be caused by trauma or inflammation.
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.
Fibromyalgia causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness
of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation.
Fibromyalgia does not cause body damage or deformity.
Fatigue occurs in 90% of patients with fibromyalgia.
Irritable bowel syndrome can occur with fibromyalgia.
Sleep disorder is common in patients with
fibromyalgia.
There is no test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia can be associated with other rheumatic
conditions.
Fibromyalgia treatment is most effective with
combinations of education, stress reduction,
exercise, and medications.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and
joints. Fibromyalgia is also characterized by restless sleep, awakening feeling tired, chronic fatigue, anxiety...
Chronic Pain RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the