CYCLOBENZAPRINE

Brand & Generic Names

Cyoflex
Flexeril

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Muscle relaxant

Uses

Treatment for pain and limited motion caused by spasms in voluntary muscles.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.

When to take:
At the same time each day or according to label instructions.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Wait 4 hours for next dose.

What drug does:
Blocks body's pain messages to brain. May also sedate.

Time lapse before drug works:
30 to 60 minutes.

Don't take with:
Non-prescription drugs without consulting doctor.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Drowsiness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, visual problems, vomiting, blood pressure drop, low body temperature, weak and rapid pulse, convulsions, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth.

Infrequent:

• Blurred vision, fast heartbeat.
• Insomnia, numbness in extremities, bad taste in mouth, fatigue, nausea, sweating.

Rare:

• Unsteadiness, confusion, depression, hallucinations, rash, itch, swelling, breathing difficulty.
• Difficult urination, rash.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any skeletal-muscle relaxant.
• You have taken MAO inhibitors* in last 2 weeks.
• You have had a heart attack within 6 weeks, or suffer from congestive heart failure.
• You have overactive thyroid.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have a heart problem.
• If you have reacted to tricyclic antidepressants.
• If you have glaucoma.
• If you have a prostate condition and urination difficulty.
• If you intend to pilot aircraft.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. Avoid extremes of heat and cold.

Pregnancy:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Don't use for children younger than 15.

Prolonged use:
Do not take for longer than 2 to 3 weeks.

Skin & sunlight:
May cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or sunlamp.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anticholinergics*	Increased anticholinergic effect.
Antidepressants*	Increased sedation.
Antihistamines*	Increased antihistamine effect.
Barbiturates*	Increased sedation.
Cimetidine	Possible increased cyclobenzaprine
	effect.
Cisapride	Decreased cyclobenzapine effect.
Clonidine	Decreased clonidine effect.
Dronabinol	Increased effect of dronabinol on
	central nervous system. Avoid
	combination.
Guanethidine	Decreased guanethidine effect.
MAO inhibitors*	High fever, convulsions, possible
	death.
Methyldopa	Decreased methyldopa effect.
Mind-altering drugs*	Increased mind-altering effect.
Narcotics*	Increased sedation.
Pain relievers*	Increased pain reliever effect.
Procainamide	Possible increased conduction
	disturbance.
Quinidine	Possible increased conduction
	disturbance.
Rauwolfia	Decreased effect
alkaloids*	of rauwolfia alkaloids.
Sedatives*	Increased sedative effect.
Sleep inducers*	Increased sedation.
Tranquilizers*	Increased tranquilizer effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Depressed brain function. Avoid.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Decreased cyclobenzaprine effect.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Occasional use--Drowsiness.
	Frequent use--Severe mental and
	physical impairment.
Tobacco:	None expected.