Cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. It is widely used in the treatment of painful conditions of the muscles and joints. It is an FDA approved drug. Cyclobenzaprine is trusted by millions of Americans. It is the most commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of fibromyalgia which is a condition of characterized by generalized muscular aches and pains. The popularity of Cyclobenzaprine is attributed to its quick and long lasting pain relieving properties. It is available with the brand name Flexeril, in doses of 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.

Cyclobenzaprine Benefits:

• Cyclobenzaprine is an FDA approved drug.
• It is extremely effective for relieving muscle pains.
• Widely prescribed for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
• Cyclobenzaprine is trusted by millions of Americans.

What is Cyclobenzaprine used for:

Cyclobenzaprine is sometimes available as Flexeril in two dosages – 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. It is used for the treatment of pain arising due to muscle sprains, strains, injuries and many other causes. It is extremely beneficial in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is one of the leading causes of generalized body aches and pains, especially seen in women. Cyclobenzaprine also helps relieve pain associated with muscular spasm. Hence used to ease back pain, calf pains etc. Most doctors advise rest as well as physical therapy for the affected muscles along with the use of Cyclobenzaprine. This helps to speed up the process of recovery. It acts quickly and has long lasting pain relieving properties. It decreases muscle pain, tenderness, spasm and improves your range of movement.

How Cyclobenzaprine works:

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. The exact mechanism of action of this drug is unknown. However studies have shown that it helps release certain neurotransmitters which help decrease pain. Cyclobenzaprine is believed to enhance the release of norepinephrine which acts at the levels of your nerves and muscles and eases the pain and spasm. A few other studies have shown that it blocks certain pain receptors in the spinal cord and thus makes you pain free. Though the exact mechanism of actions have not been decided or researched as yet, individuals who take Cyclobenzaprine have reported almost instantaneous relief in muscle pain, stiffness, spasm and improvement in movements. Cyclobenzaprine is available in one dosage namely as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.

Most doctors recommend a 5 mg dose three times a day. Based on your response to the dose and your bodily requirements, your doctor may gradually step up the dosage of this drug. You may need to take it for around two to three weeks, under your doctor’s supervision. Depending on your response to the dosage, the dosage may be increased to 10 mg thrice a day. Fexmid is another preparation containing Cyclobenzaprine and is available in the dosage of 7.5 mg per tablet.

Precautions you need to take while using Cyclobenzaprine:

Cyclobenzaprine decreases the pain in the first two weeks. It has not shown any further benefit when continued after two weeks or three weeks. Hence you must not consume it for a longer period without the supervision of your doctor.

When you visit your doctor you must mention the diseases, if any, you are suffering from. Also make sure that you inform your doctor if you are currently taking any medications. Cyclobenzaprine has drug interactions with a few medications. For example, you must not take any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) along with Cyclobenzaprine as it may cause certain adverse effects. It is not advisable to take the MAOI’s within 2 weeks of taking Cyclobenzaprine. Similarly you must not consume alcohol while taking this drug. One must avoid taking other central nervous system depressing drugs or Tricyclic antidepressants along with Cyclobenzaprine.

Side effects of Cyclobenzaprine:

Cyclobenzaprine is one of the most popular muscle relaxants used. It is known to have a few side effects. However most people taking this medication tolerate it quite well and do not develop any side effects. Some individuals do develop mild unwanted effects but they are absolutely transient and short lived. Hence Cyclobenzaprine is quite a safe muscle relaxant. However it is always advisable that you do not self medicate yourself with this drug.

Always consume the drug as per the prescription of your doctor. Avoid consuming an extra dosage. You must keep it away from the reach of children. Also remember not to share this medication with others who are not under medical supervision for the same. Some of the side effects seen are drowsiness in only about 38 % of the population consuming Cyclobenzaprine. Some others develop dizziness, light headedness and a dry mouth.

A few of the individuals developed nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches. Amongst the elderly, frequent episodes of agitation were produced as a side effect of this drug. However almost all the side effects are extremely mild and can be managed easily.

How to take Cyclobenzaprine:

Cyclobenzaprine is marketed under the trade names Fexmid, Flexeril etc. Both of which are available in the tablet forms. Many customers choose to order Cyclobenzaprine as it is a cheaper option than Flexeril but equally as effective. Flexeril is available in the form of tablets in the doses 5 mg and 10 mg. You must take it only if it has been prescribed to you by your doctor. In the United States you can buy this medication only with a valid prescription of a doctor. According to your doctor’s advice you may need to take bed rest with or without physical therapy along with this drug in order to benefit maximally and recover quickly. Initially your doctor might start you on a dose of 5 mg thrice daily. Following which, your doctor may step up the dosage as per your progress and requirements. Depending on your response to the dosage, the dosage may be increased to 10 mg thrice a day. Fexmid is another preparation containing Cyclobenzaprine and is available in the dosage of 7.5 mg per tablet. Most doctors may recommend you to continue this medication regularly for a period of 2 to 3 weeks along with regular follow ups. It has been seen that people consuming it for more than 3 weeks do not have any added advantage over those taking it for a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks.