About Flexeril

Flexeril is a drug which acts as a muscle relaxant. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to inhibit the nerve impulses which are being transmitted to the brain; pain sensations are consequently diminished.

Uses or Indications

When Flexeril is used in coordination with physical therapy sessions and rest, it is an effective treatment for skeletal muscle conditions like injury and pain. Flexeril is also used for treating the stiffness and pain that is commonly experienced during muscle injuries like sprains, strains, or muscle spasms.

How to take Flexeril

Flexeril is commonly available in ten milligram tablet form. The pills are taken orally under the prescription of a physician. The usual adult intake is three 10mg doses a day, taken with eight-hour intervals between each intake. Maximum daily dosage is 60mg. The tablet should be ingested whole, with water if needed; the pills are not to be broken, crushed, chewed, or opened before swallowing, since it is designed to slowly release the drug into the body.

Side Effects

Immediately stop intake and get emergency help if an allergic reaction is experienced after intake of Flexeril, or upon noticing adverse effects such as an irregular heartbeat, light-headedness, and one-sided numbness or weakness; chest pain which spread to the arm and shoulder, accompanied by queasiness, sweating and nausea; problems with body coordination; jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored excrement; hallucinations, and convulsions. Usual side effects include heartburn, dizziness, an upset stomach, constipation, and a dry mouth.

Drug Precautions

Users should avoid intake of Flexeril if they have a current or recent condition of congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, heart block, a disorder associated with heart rhythm, or an overactive thyroid. Those who are experiencing difficulties in urination, liver illness, an enlarged prostate, and glaucoma should notify their physician beforehand. They may need a special dose prescription, or tests may be conducted to ensure safety of intake. Pregnant and nursing women should also do likewise. Flexeril is not recommended for people over 65 years old.

Drug Interaction

Patients who have taken MAO inhibitors, like phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, and selegiline for the last 14 days should not take Flexeril. Other drugs which may interact with Flexeril include, but are not restricted to bronchdilators like ipratroprium and tiotropium; guanethidine; atropine, benztropine, dimenhydrinate, methscopolamine, and scopolamine; glycopyrrolate; mepenzolate; tramadol; darifenacin, flavoxate, oxybutynin, tolterodine, and solifenacin; and dicyclomine, hyoscyamine, and propantheline.

Missed Dose

Take missed doses as soon as necessary, as long as there is enough time allowed for the next intake so as not to result in a double dose. Otherwise, skip a missed dose and proceed with the regular intake schedule. Avoid double dosing to make up for a missed intake.

Overdose

Intake of Flexeril beyond the prescribed amounts can be fatal. Indications of overdose include tremors, a quick heartbeat, slurred speech, vomiting, nausea, chest pain, confusion, hallucination, and convulsions. If these symptoms are present, get medical help immediately.

Storage

Store Flexeril in room temperatures of 15-30°C. Keep in tightly-sealed containers, away from excessive heat and moisture.