Flexeril instructions

Brand Name: Flexeril

Generic Name: Cyclobenzaprine

The following product information is not a substitute for physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Cyclobenzaprine Medical Uses:
Flexeril is a skeletal muscle relaxant. This medication is used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries. It is used, along with rest and physical therapy, for short-term treatment (i.e., 2 to 3 weeks). This drug relieves muscle spasms of local origin but is not effective in spasms which originate from diseases in the brain or spinal cord. Flexeril works by blocking nerve impulses that are sent to your brain.

Flexeril - CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Do not use within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI9s.  Serious, potentially fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril with an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil, Parnate) or if it has been less than 2 weeks since you last took an MAO inhibitor. You should closely follow your doctor's advice regarding discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before taking Flexeril.

How to Take Flexeril:
Flexeril comes as a 10 mg tablet to take by mouth.This medication may be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. It usually is taken two to four times a day (or 20-40 mg each day in divided doses). Do not exceed 60 mg daily. Do not take this drug for more than 3 weeks without talking to your doctor. You should begin to notice relief from your symptoms after 1 to 2 days of treatment. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly if you have been taking it regularly for more than 1 week. Stopping suddenly may cause nausea, headache, and general discomfort. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Flexeril Possible Side Effects:
Every medication may cause side effects. Side effects from Flexeril are not common, but they can occur. This medicine may cause upset stomach, drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, dizziness. If these side effects persist, worsen or do not go away, notify your doctor. Stop taking Flexeril and coll your doctor immediately, if you experience serious side effects: allergic reaction (severe skin rash, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives), irregular heart rate, chest pain, fever, paralysis (loss of feeling) or extreme weakness, burning in the eyes, vision loss. Other side effects not listed here may also occur.

Flexeril Precautions:
Do not use within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI9s. Before taking Flexeril, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Flexeril or any other drugs. Tell your doctor if you have an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, glaucoma, or difficulty urinating. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking Flexeril. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities, because this drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Remember that that alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Flexeril. Limit alcohol intake. Flexeril is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

Drug Interactions:
If Flexeril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Many drugs can interact with Flexeril:

• narcotics: hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic);
• antidepressants: doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate);
• antihistamines: rompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist) and others;
• phenothiazines: chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine);
• sedatives: phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), secobarbital (Seconal);
• high blood pressure drugs.

Do not start or stop any medication without doctor approval.

Missed Dose:
Take it as soon as you remember, if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of a Flexeril overdose may include unusual dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), nausea, vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat.

Storage:
Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

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