Cyclobenzaprine: Muscle Relaxer Uses, Side Effects, & Dosage
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. Some women may also experience nausea, vomiting, and headaches while taking the medication. Flexeril should most likely be avoided by nursing women; however, your doctor will decide whether you can take Flexeril if you are nursing 1. Flexeril has been classified as Pregnancy Category B by the Food and Drug Administration 1.
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Any medication taken during pregnancy has the potential to impact both the mother and the developing fetus. Therefore, before taking any muscle relaxer during pregnancy, it is vital to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it is safe and necessary. It is important to note that every pregnancy is different, and the risks and benefits of taking muscle relaxers during pregnancy should be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider. During pregnancy, it is important to be cautious about the medications taken.
However, cyclobenzaprine is not to be used as a treatment for muscle spasm secondary to cerebral or spinal cord diseases. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking any medication during pregnancy with your doctor before starting treatment. Your doctor can help you make an informed decision about the best course of action for you and your baby.
Your healthcare provider will determine the time for taking the medicine. Therefore, stick to the time of day prescribed by your doctor for taking it. The animal reproduction data and human pregnancy experience suggest that the use of cyclobenzaprine in pregnancy is low risk.
Although there appears to be insufficient data on metaxalone and methocarbamol, these may be useful in patients who cannot tolerate the sedative properties of cyclobenzaprine or tizanidine. Of note, methocarbamol costs substantially less than metaxalone. Muscle injuries become extremely prevalent while you’re recovering from your pregnancy and the birthing process, as well as caring for your infant. However, despite being a commonly prescribed medicine for a short-term course to alleviate muscle sprains, Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) has been discovered in breastmilk. Hence, using Flexeril while breastfeeding should be avoided unless doctors prescribe it after weighing the advantages and risks.
Muscle Spasms
Not all medications are safe for pregnant women to use, including muscle relaxers. However, there are some muscle relaxers that have been determined to be safe for use during pregnancy. Selection of a skeletal muscle relaxant should be individualized to the patient. If there are tender spots over the muscle or trigger points on physical examination, a skeletal muscle relaxant is a reasonable adjunct to analgesic treatment of low back pain.
- In addition to the physiologic changes that occur in the mother during pregnancy, one must also consider the impact of pharmacotherapy in the developing fetus.
- According to the prescribing information for Flexeril published by the U.S.
- Additionally, individuals who have experienced allergic reactions to muscle relaxants or who have a history of liver or kidney disease should seek medical advice before using Flexeril.
- Category B drugs such as cyclobenzaprine should be given during a pregnancy only when the physician determines that the risks are less than the benefits of the drug’s actions 2.
Much research has not been done to understand the effects of Flexeril on lactation; however, since the drug can be found in breast milk, you should take it with caution. Usually, doctors prescribe Flexeril to lactating women only after considering its benefits flexeril.live and side effects. There is little evidence to support or discourage the use of topical NSAIDs during pregnancy. Because systemic absorption of these preparations is lower than oral NSAIDs, it is reasonable to use them in the first two trimesters.
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The Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR) reports that dosages of Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are not to exceed 30 mg per day. Usually, the dosage is given in 5 mg doses three times per day or in 15 mg doses once or twice a day for the extended-release formulation. This likely occurs as a result of the way that Flexeril is thought to inhibit norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, which in turn inhibits nitric oxide and prostaglandin — the most common cause of this condition. Don’t take this medicine for longer than three weeks without talking to your doctor. UseCyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
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Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, vomiting, fast heartbeats, tremors, agitation, or hallucinations. Do not use cyclobenzaprine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication.
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Skeletal muscle relaxants may also be used as an alternative to NSAIDs in patients who are at risk of gastrointestinal or renal complications. Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication that can relieve muscle pain and stiffness. But it can also cause various side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. This infographic will discuss ways to manage the side effects of Cyclobenzaprine and explore some alternative therapies while breastfeeding that may be worth trying.
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