Flexeril

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant. It is a brand name and contains Cyclobenzaprine. It is widely used in the treatment of painful conditions of the muscles and joints. It is an FDA approved drug. Flexeril 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 Flexeril is attributed to its quick and long lasting pain relieving properties. It is available in the doses of 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. Initially your doctor may advice you to start with a dosage of 5 mg thrice a day. Depending on your response to the drug, the dosage may be increased to 10 mg thrice a day.

Flexeril Benefits:

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

What is Flexeril used for:

Flexeril contains Cyclobenzaprine and is available in two dosages – 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. It must be taken orally, with a glass of water. You may take it after meals. 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. This drug is known to act quickly and has long lasting pain relieving properties. It decreases muscle pain, tenderness, spasm and improves your range of movement.

Flexeril 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 Flexeril. It acts quickly and has long lasting pain relieving properties. It decreases muscle pain, tenderness, spasm and improves your range of movement.

How Flexeril works:

Flexeril contains Cyclobenzaprine, which is one of the most popularly used muscle relaxants. 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.

Flexeril is available in two dosages namely as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. Tablets must be taken orally with a glass of water. 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.

Precautions you need to take while using Flexeril:

Flexeril 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 Flexeril. 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.

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.

Side effects of Flexeril:

Flexeril is one of the most popular muscle relaxants used. It is prescribed by millions of physicians worldwide. It is an FDA approved medication and trusted by millions of Americans for its pain relieving properties. It is known to have very few side effects. 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 Flexeril 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 Flexeril. 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 Flexeril:

Cyclobenzaprine is marketed under the trade names Fexmid, Flexeril etc. Both of which are available in the tablet forms. 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. 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.