Cyclobenzaprine: What Is It? Side Effects & Interactions Cleveland Clinic

Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect serotonin levels in your body. For many people, Flexeril withdrawal causes mild symptoms such as nausea, headache, drowsiness, malaise, and discomfort. Symptoms tend to peak about 2-4 days after you last took the Flexeril, although in some people withdrawal symptoms may last for up to 1-2 weeks.

  • Outpatient treatment also consists of some combination of detox, counseling, and peer support, but care takes place on a part-time basis while the patient continues to reside in their home.
  • Based on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to 10 mg three times a day.
  • Allergic reactions develop as a result of genetic predisposition, which causes an exaggerated immune response towards the ingested medication.
  • Instead, as previously mentioned, it can cause hypertension or increased blood pressure in the event of taking an excessive amount of the drug or Flexeril overdose.
  • There is also a slight risk that abuse of Cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril can lead to serotonin syndrome.
  • Do not use the extended-release capsules if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within 14 days of each other.

If these side effects become severe or cause problems in your everyday life, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends contacting your doctor. Regular use of muscle relaxers causes the brain to become used to its effects. If you attempt to suddenly stop using muscle relaxers you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the specific drug and how long you have been using it, there are various treatment options available to help you overcome your addiction. Prolonged use can lead to increased tolerance and physical dependence, especially with Soma.3 For this reason, muscle relaxers are intended as a short-term treatment not to be prescribed for more than 2-3 weeks. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is structurally similar to TCAs and, as such, demonstrates significant anticholinergic side effects.

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Our Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

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Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Ell your doctor if your condition lasts after 2 to 3 weeks or if it gets worse. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

How to use Flexeril Tablet

However, if Flexeril addiction is accompanied by alcohol or opioid abuse the withdrawal symptoms from these other substances can be severe. In these situations, it may be best to undergo professional medical detox. Signs of overdose include chest pain, hallucinations, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and extreme drowsiness.

Allergic reactions are one of the most serious and possibly lethal consequences of Flexeril use. Allergic reactions develop as a result of genetic predisposition, which causes an exaggerated immune response towards the ingested medication. This article focuses on the common Cyclobenzaprine side effects and frequent concerns related to its use.

It can also enhance the effects of agents with CNS depressant activity. Older adults appear to have a higher risk for CNS-related adverse reactions, such as hallucinations and confusion, when using cyclobenzaprine. Withdrawal symptoms have been noted with the discontinuation of chronic cyclobenzaprine use. Use of a medication taper may be warranted for chronic-use patients. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects.

Other drugs using cyclobenzaprine are also being tested to treat fibromyalgia, though. The current form of cyclobenzaprine is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Cyclobenzaprine may enhance the effects of other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and narcotics. According to the DEA, abusers often combine cyclobenzaprine with these depressants to produce or enhance psychoactive effects. Though it is not a controlled substance, the DEA has recorded anecdotal reports of use to induce euphoria and relaxation.

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Flexeril is prescribed to treat short-term pain and discomfort that stems from muscle injuries, including strains, sprains, and spasms. The medication helps control flexeril narcotic the muscle spasms that result in pain. Typically, a doctor will prescribe Flexeril as part of a treatment plan that also includes rest and physical therapy.

Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness. Using Flexeril with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Do not use Flexeril if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. In order to protect against the rare but potentially critical manifestations described above, obtain an ECG and immediately initiate cardiac monitoring. Protect the patient’s airway, establish an intravenous line and initiate gastric decontamination.