Flexeril Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Cyclobenzaprine is employed for short-term relief of muscle spasms. Typically, it is used in conjunction with rest and physical therapy. Its mechanism of action involves promoting muscle relaxation.

How to Administer Flexeril Tablet

Administer this medication orally, with or without food, as instructed by your doctor. Refrain from increasing the dosage or using the drug more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed. Doing so will not expedite your recovery and could heighten the likelihood of encountering side effects.

The prescribed dosage hinges on your medical condition and response to treatment. It's important to note that this medication should only be utilized for a short duration (up to 3 weeks), unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

Should your condition persist beyond 2 to 3 weeks or deteriorate, make sure to inform your doctor.

Can you take Flexeril with prednisone?

Flexeril has interactions with a total of 430 drugs. It belongs to the drug class of skeletal muscle relaxants. Flexeril is prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Muscle Spasm
- Sciatica

Also, Prednisone has interactions with a total of 568 drugs. It falls under the drug class of glucocorticoids.

There were no identified interactions between Flexeril and prednisone. Nevertheless, this does not definitively indicate the absence of interactions. It is always advisable to consult your healthcare provider.

How long does Flexeril Tablet stay in your system?

The duration of Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) in your system can vary based on factors such as your individual metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use. Generally, Flexeril has a half-life of around 18 hours, which means it takes approximately 5.5 times the half-life for the drug to be eliminated from your body.

In most cases, Flexeril may be eliminated from your system within a few days to a week after your last dose. However, traces of the drug might still be detectable in certain tests for a slightly longer period.

It's important to note that individual responses can vary, and if you have concerns about drug elimination from your system for a specific reason (e.g., drug testing, medical procedures), you should consult your healthcare provider for more accurate information and guidance.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, or fatigue might occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.

It's important to recognize that this medication has been prescribed based on your doctor's judgment that the benefits outweigh the potential side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not experience serious side effects.

Notify your doctor immediately if you encounter any severe side effects, such as rapid or irregular heartbeat, changes in mental state (like confusion or hallucinations), or difficulty urinating.

Although highly uncommon, a severe allergic reaction to this drug may occur. Seek medical assistance right away if you observe any signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), intense dizziness, or breathing difficulties.

Please note that this list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you notice other effects not mentioned above, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Prior to taking cyclobenzaprine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to it or any other substances. This product could contain inactive ingredients that may lead to allergic reactions or other complications. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

Before starting this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of liver disease, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), heart issues (such as irregular heartbeat, heart block, heart failure, recent heart attack), difficulties with urination due to an enlarged prostate, or glaucoma.

This medication may induce dizziness or drowsiness. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can intensify these effects. Refrain from activities requiring alertness until you can safely engage in them. Steer clear of alcoholic beverages. If you're using marijuana (cannabis), discuss it with your doctor.

Before undergoing surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you are using, including prescription medications, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.

Elderly individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to the side effects of this medication, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or difficulty urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can elevate the risk of falls.

During pregnancy, only use this medication if it's absolutely necessary and after discussing the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

It's unclear whether this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs are known to do so. Prior to breastfeeding, consult your doctor for guidance.

Interactions

Interactions between drugs can alter how they function or increase the likelihood of serious side effects. This document does not encompass all potential drug interactions. It's essential to compile a list of all the products you are using, including prescription and nonprescription drugs as well as herbal products, and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not initiate, cease, or modify the dosage of any medications without obtaining approval from your doctor.

Certain products that may interact with this drug include tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and imipramine.

The combination of MAO inhibitors with this medication could lead to a severe and possibly fatal drug interaction. Refrain from using MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during your treatment with this medication.

Most MAO inhibitors should not be taken for two weeks before commencing treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor regarding the timing for starting or stopping this medication in relation to MAO inhibitors.

Before using this medication, disclose any use of drugs that increase serotonin, including street drugs (like MDMA/"ecstasy"), St. John's wort, specific antidepressants (such as SSRIs like fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine), tramadol, among others.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are concurrently using other products that induce drowsiness, such as opioid pain or cough relievers (like codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), sleep or anxiety medications (like alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants (like carisoprodol, methocarbamol), or antihistamines (like cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Examine the labels of all your medicines, including allergy or cough-and-cold products, as they might contain ingredients that lead to drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on using these products safely.

Dosage

Missed Dosage:

If you forget to take a dose, take it promptly upon remembering. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missed one and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Storage:

Keep this medication at room temperature, safeguarded from light and moisture. Refrain from storing it in the bathroom. Ensure that all medications are kept out of reach of children and pets. Do not dispose of medications by flushing them down the toilet or pouring them into drains, unless instructed to do so. Properly dispose of this product when it is expired or no longer required. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for guidance.