- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Cyclobenzaprine - CYCLOBENZAPRINE EXTENDED-RELEASE
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amrix
GENERIC NAME(S): CYCLOBENZAPRINE HCL
Uses
Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works by helping to relax the muscles.
This medication is not recommended for use in older adults because they may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amrix
GENERIC NAME(S): CYCLOBENZAPRINE HCL
Uses
Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works by helping to relax the muscles.
This medication is not recommended for use in older adults because they may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.
How to use cyclobenzaprine
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking cyclobenzaprine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication should only be used short-term (for 3 weeks or less) unless directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 2 to 3 weeks or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
CYCLOBENZAPRINE Side Effects List by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with cyclobenzaprine:
Common side effects of cyclobenzaprine:
Dizzy Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of cyclobenzaprine:
Blurred Vision Less Severe
Rare side effects of cyclobenzaprine:
Abnormal Heart Rhythm Severe
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Blockage of Normal Bile Flow Severe
Bronchospasm Severe
Cannot Empty Bladder Severe
Confused Severe
Depression Severe
Difficult or Painful Urination Severe
Fast Heartbeat Severe
Feeling Faint Severe
Giant Hives Severe
Hepatitis Severe
Hives Severe
Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy Severe
Itching Severe
Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
Psychosis caused by a Drug Severe
Rash Severe
Seizures Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Toxic Effect on Brain or Spinal Cord Function Severe
Trouble Breathing Severe
Uncoordinated Severe
Yellowing of Skin or Eyes from Liver Problems Severe
Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Less Severe
Acne Less Severe
Chronic Trouble SleepingLess Severe
Difficulty Speaking Less Severe
Disturbance of Attention Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Feeling Restless Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Irritation of the Stomach or Intestines Less Severe
Loss of Taste Less Severe
Low Energy Less Severe
Muscle Weakness Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Not Feeling Well Less Severe
Numbness and Tingling Less Severe
Ringing in the Ears Less Severe
Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Twitching Less Severe
Widening of Blood Vessels Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart block, heart failure, recent heart attack), difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), glaucoma.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, imipramine).
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
Before using this medication, report the use of drugs that increase serotonin, including street drugs (such as MDMA/"ecstasy"), St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tramadol, among others.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe drowsiness, slurred speech, seizures, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations).
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.