Sometimes, a muscle in your back or neck suddenly twists and tightens, causing pain that lasts for days. Or, while playing sports, you pull a muscle while lifting something heavy. In times like these, a doctor may prescribe you a medication called Cyclobenzaprine. It is usually given as a short-term treatment. Let's take a look at what exactly this medication is, how it is used, and what you need to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Cyclobenzaprine?
Simply put, Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant . It works by relaxing your tight, painful muscles, reducing stiffness and pain. It works by directly affecting the brain, causing muscle relaxation.
Your doctor may prescribe this under a brand name, such as Amrix. Sometimes these come in extended-release capsules. This means that when you take one pill, the medicine is released into your body over the course of the day. This means you don't have to take the medicine as often.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete account of your health before starting this medication. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- Heart disease: If you have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, or have had a heart attack in the past.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Thyroid problems: If you have high thyroid hormone levels.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to Cyclobenzaprine or other medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, lactose in milk, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Giving this information to your doctor will greatly help him decide if this medication is safe for you.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Take only the prescribed dose as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- Swallow the capsule whole: Do not break, crush, or chew these capsules, especially if they are extended-release, as this can cause the medicine to be released into the body too quickly and increase side effects.
- If you get an upset stomach: If you feel an upset stomach after taking the medicine, take it with a meal or with a little milk.
- Take it on time: Try to take the medicine at the same time every day.
- If giving to children: If giving this medicine to children, talk to your doctor about it and get special instructions.
What to do if you overdose on medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
What if I forget to take a medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Cyclobenzaprine can interact with many other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Never take Cyclobenzaprine with this medicine. | |
| MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) | These are medications used to treat depression. Drugs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. Do not take Cyclobenzaprine for at least 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI. |
| Safinamide | A drug for Parkinson's disease. |
| Reactions can occur with this medicine - tell your doctor. | |
| Alcohol | Drowsiness and dizziness can be very severe. |
| Other medications that cause drowsiness | Medications for anxiety and insomnia, medications for allergies like Piriton, some cough/cold medications, and strong painkillers. |
| Other medications for depression (Antidepressants) | Medications such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and sertraline. |
| Medicines for other diseases | Medicines for Parkinson's disease, seizures, bladder problems, stomach upset, and motion sickness. |
| Anesthetics | Anesthetics and muscle relaxants given during surgery. |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This is the main side effect of this medicine. Therefore , avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, avoid getting up from a sitting position or sitting down suddenly. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely while taking Cyclobenzaprine. Taking this medication with alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse.
- Dry mouth: This medication may cause dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help. Tell your doctor if this problem persists or is severe.
- Symptoms: If your muscle pain doesn't go away or gets worse, let your doctor know.
What kind of side effects are possible?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to the ETU. | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Shortness or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, feeling faint, confusion. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | Drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Dry mouth |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
| Lifeless body | Fatigue |
| Constipation | Constipation |
| Nausea | Nausea |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Cyclobenzaprine is a short-term medication for muscle spasms and pain. Use this only under the advice of a doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have before starting the medication.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so be very careful when driving or doing other activities that require alertness.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious side effect such as severe allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or changes in heart rate.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
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