About Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine is a medication which serves as a muscle relaxant. It achieves potency by effectively blocking the pain sensations (also known as nerve impulses) which are sent to the brain.

Uses or Indications

Since Cyclobenzaprine is a drug which relaxes the muscles, it is used as a treatment for pain or stiffness which is usually associated with muscle injuries, such as muscle spasms, strains, and sprains. The drug is also used, in conjunction with proper rest and a regular physical therapy treatment, in dealing with skeletal muscle problems like pain and injury.

How to take Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine is available in 10mg tablet form, and is orally ingested. Intake should be in accordance with a prescription from a physician. The normal intake dose for adults is three 10mg tablets, spread evenly over 24 hours, or with 8-hour intervals between each dose. Although dosage limits vary with the individual user, the maximum allowable daily dosage for the medication should be no more than 60mg per day. The pill should be swallowed whole with water, and not broken, chewed, opened, and crushed before intake.

Side Effects

The common adverse effects of Cyclobenzaprine include blurry vision; muscle weakness; a dry mouth and throat; gas, diarrhea, or constipation; a tired feeling, drowsiness, and dizziness; and stomach pain, accompanied by nausea and loss of appetite. In case of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical help. Discontinue intake and contact a physician in the presence of the following: an irregular heartbeat; one-sided numbness or weakness; a sudden lack of body coordination; chest pain which spreads to the arm and shoulder, accompanied by a queasy feeling, nausea, and sweating; convulsions; and hallucinations.

Drug Precautions

Patients who have the following health conditions should inform their doctor before taking on Cyclobenzaprine as treatment: difficulty with urination; glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; and liver disease. Such patients may require an adjustment on dosage, or should undergo prerequisite tests before taking the medication. Patients with the following conditions are strongly discouraged from taking Cyclobenzaprine for health reasons: an overactive thyroid; a disorder in heart rhythm; heart block; congestive heart failure; and people over the age of 65 years.

Drug Interaction

Medications which may interact with Cyclobenzaprine include, but are not restricted to the following: ipratroprium or tiotropium; methscopolamine, dimenhydrinate, atropine, scopolamine, and benztropine; glycopyrrolate; urinary medicine like solifenacin, darifenacin, tolterodine, flavoxate, and oxybutynin; glycopyrrolate; mepenzolate; drugs for irritable bowel like propantheline, dicyclomine, and hyoscyamine; and tramadol.

Missed Dose

In case a dose of Cyclobenzaprine is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered, as long as the next scheduled intake is not near enough as to potentially cause an overdose. Otherwise, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next one taken according to the regular intake schedule.

Overdose

Excessive use of Cyclobenzaprine which leads to an overdose can be fatal. Indications of a potential overdose can include convulsions, a quick heartbeat, chest pain, tremors, hallucinations, slurred speech, vomiting, confusion, and nausea.

Storage

Store Cyclobenzaprine within permissible temperatures of 15 to 30°C.