Cyclobenzaprine: Muscle Relaxer Uses, Side Effects, & Dosage

One woman mentioned that she took Flexeril for back spasms during her third trimester and her baby was born with respiratory issues. While it is impossible to say for sure whether the medication was the cause of the baby’s respiratory issues, it is still important to report any negative side effects to your healthcare provider. Overall, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of using Flexeril during pregnancy and to have open and honest discussions with your doctor. Muscle strain and backache may be common during pregnancy, but many drugs that are safe for most adults can be harmful to a pregnant woman or her fetus. Flexeril, known generically as cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant most often given for treatment of injury or muscle strain 1. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor about your condition and about all medications you are taking before taking any additional medication to make sure it is safe for you and your baby.

Often, different sleeping positions such as placing pillows beneath the knees or the purchase of a body pillow, which may help to support the growing belly, also help with the pain. In any case, a physician or health practitioner will help you decide what type of pain treatment you are to seek, especially in case of pregnancy. The animal reproduction data and human pregnancy experience suggest that the use of cyclobenzaprine in pregnancy is low risk. Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug has been shown to be excreted in rat milk and achieve concentrations in the milk which are 50% of those in the rat maternal plasma.

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A Flexeril overdose can cause severe health problems such as cardiac arrest, dangerously low blood pressure, and seizures. Central nervous system depression, seizures, heart attack, and even death can occur. Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history. Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication that can relieve muscle pain and stiffness.

Pain Management: Neuropathic Pain

It may decrease the signals from your brain that tell your muscles to spasm. Cyclobenzaprine may be used as part of combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications. Here are some measures you can use after your muscle injury for effective pain management. Your dose will depend on the severity of your pain and the formulation of cyclobenzaprine you’re using. You might start to feel some of the effects of cyclobenzaprine within 20 to 30 minutes of taking it.

• If you are not keen on using any drug for your muscle injury while you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor for any natural and safe treatments you can use during this time.
• The possibility of these should be assessed before taking a medication like Flexeril.
• Overall, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of using Flexeril during pregnancy and to have open and honest discussions with your doctor.
• Some medicines can interact with cyclobenzaprine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your symptoms are severe. Do not take this drug again if you’ve ever had flexeril diarrhea an allergic reaction to it. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully.

As a result, there could be risks to the fetus if a pregnant woman takes it. Within the last five years, emergency room department visits related to muscle relaxant abuse almost doubled; they increased from 15,830 to 31,763 visits. Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information. Animal studies don’t always predict the way humans would respond.

Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Ell your doctor if your condition lasts after 2 to 3 weeks or if it gets worse. Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)?

It relieves muscle spasms through a central action, possibly at the brainstem level. Cyclobenzaprine binds to the serotonin receptor and is a receptor antagonist that reduces muscle tone by decreasing the activity of descending serotonergic neurons. A muscle relaxant, cyclobenzaprine (flexeril) is used to help relieve pain, stiffness, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or injuries in muscles.

Some women may also experience nausea, vomiting, and headaches while taking the medication. Flexeril is usually given in 10 mg tablets up to three times daily 1. It is generally not considered addictive, but it may have side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Sep 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 28 Aug 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Aug 2023) and others.

By being aware of the potential side effects of Flexeril and taking steps to manage them, you can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. Like any medication, Flexeril comes with potential side effects. These side effects can range from mild to severe, and it’s important to know what to look out for if you’re taking the medication during pregnancy. Common side effects of Flexeril include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.