Cyclobenzaprine

Molecule Description

Cyclobenzaprine is used for short term relief from muscle pain and stiffness, m

ost commonly following an injury. It belongs to a class of medicines known as ‘muscle relaxants.’

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Cyclobenzaprine

Relief from muscle pain, stiffness or tightness, limitation of movements, usually following an injury or strenuous activity.

Contraindications of Cyclobenzaprine

When should one not use Cyclobenzaprine

Allergy to Cyclobenzaprine or any components of this medicine
A specific class of antidepressants called Mono Amine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., Selegiline, Rasagiline, Phenelzine, etc.) or tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Amoxapine)
Recent heart disease (heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, rhythm diseases, reduced pumping efficiency of the heart)
Kidney diseases
Thyroid problems

Side effects of Cyclobenzaprine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, sleepiness
Feeling sick (nausea), indigestion (dyspepsia), constipation
Taste, vision and attention disturbances
Tremors, pounding of heart (palpitations), acne (pimples)
Irregular and fast heartbeats, abnormal heart rhythm, allergic reactions, rashes, mood changes, nervousness, depression, sweating, ringing in the ears, weight loss, stomach upset, gas, liver problems,...
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Precautions and Warnings of Cyclobenzaprine

Pregnancy

Can I take Cyclobenzaprine during pregnancy?

Cyclobenzaprine may not be a harmful medicine to be used during pregnancy. But due to lack of reliable data, it should be used in pregnant women only if other alternatives are not available.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Cyclobenzaprine while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if Cyclobenzaprine secretes in breast milk. But, because some of the similar medicines are known to be secreted in breast milk, caution is advised. It may be given in breastfeeding mothers, only if it cannot be substituted.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Cyclobenzaprine?

This medicine may cause decreased alertness or problems with your vision. If you are affected, do not drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Cyclobenzaprine?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine. It may lead to more dizziness or drowsiness.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Inform the doctor if any of the following applies to you:
Elderly patients
Any depressive or psychotic disorder for which treatment is being taken
If you are suffering from urinary retention (incomplete emptying of the bladder) or increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma) and are seeking treatment
Avoid taking Cyclobenzaprine if you have liver disease

Mode of Action of Cyclobenzaprine

How Does It Work?

Cyclobenzaprine acts on the brain and spinal cord and regulates the effects of the nerves on the muscle and thus causes relaxation and pain relief. It is also thought to block the pain impulses from r...

Interactions of Cyclobenzaprine

Interactions with other medicines

Antidepressant medicines (to treat depression) like Selegiline, Rasagiline, Phenelzine, Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Amoxapine, Doxepin, Nortriptyline, etc.
Inform the doctor about all the medicines you are using (including prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, and herbal products)

Interactions with food items

Alcohol consumption should be avoided, no other food interactions are observed.

Dosage of Cyclobenzaprine

Overdose

Unintentional overdose of Cyclobenzaprine may not be harmful. But consult the doctor in the presence of symptoms such as drowsiness, or fast heartbeats (tachycardia).

Missed a Dose

If you have missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dose schedule. Do not take a higher or a double dose to ma...

Q: Is there anything else I should know before taking Cyclobenzaprine?

Cyclobenzaprine should not be given for long periods. It is useful and effective only for short term (acute conditions) and is not considered safe if given for more than three weeks at one time
Certain class of antidepressants called Mono Amine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., Selegiline, Rasagiline, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, etc.) should not be taken along with or till 14 d...
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Tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Amoxapine, Doxepin, etc.) should also be avoided while taking Cyclobenzaprine because these medicines can cause heart rhythm problems, and the ris...
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Both the above classes of medicines can increase the risk of seizures in patients taking this medicine
Cyclobenzaprine should be avoided in patients with liver disease or the elderly

Q: Is Cyclobenzaprine a pain killer? Can I use it for any other painful conditions?

Cyclobenzaprine is not a pain killer. It is a muscle relaxant
The regular pain killers that we use such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, etc. act by a different mechanism of blocking certain substances called prostaglandins which are released in response ...
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Cyclobenzaprine acts on the nerves that carry impulses between the brain, spinal cord, and the muscles and causes relief by relaxing the muscle, and to a small extent, by interfering with pain signals...
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It should be not be used for any pain. Cyclobenzaprine is effective in strains that involve muscles and where there is limitation of movement, muscle stiffness, etc. most commonly, following an extern...
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It was also found to be effective in a condition causing movement disorders in children (cerebral palsy). A variant of this condition causes stiff or muscles with impaired or jerky movements (muscle s...
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References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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