HOW TO USE Flexeril
Flexeril may be taken with or without food. It should be used only for short
periods of time, no more than 3 weeks maximum. Since the type of injury
that Flexeril treats will generally improve in a few weeks, there is no
reason to continue its use for a longer period. For some people, Flexeril
may cause dry mouth. Dissolving a lozenge or candy, chewing gum, or melting
ice chips in your mouth can provide temporary relief.
PRECAUTIONS
The effects of Flexeril during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, consult with your doctor.
It is not known if Flexeril will appear in breast milk. However, cyclobenzaprine
is related to tricyclic antidepressants, and some of those drugs tend
to appear in breast milk. If Flexeril is essential to your health,
your doctor may recommend that you discontinue breastfeeding your baby
until your treatment has been completed.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects generally cannot be anticipated with Flexeril. If any side
effects develop or alter in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Flexeril. More common side effects may include: Dizziness, drowsiness,
dry mouth Less common or rare side effects may include:
Abnormal heartbeats, abnormal sensations, abnormal thoughts or dreams,
aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, bloated feeling, blurred vision,
confusion, constipation, convulsions, decreased appetite, depressed mood,
diarrhea, difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty speaking, disorientation,
double vision, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, gas, hallucinations,
headache, heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased heart rate, indigestion,
inflammation of the stomach, itching, lack of coordination, liver diseases,
loss of sense of taste, low blood pressure, muscle twitching, nausea,
nervousness, palpitations, paranoia, rash, ringing in the ears, severe
allergic reaction, stomach and intestinal pain, sweating, swelling of
the tongue or face, thirst, tingling in hands or feet, tremors, unpleasant
taste in the mouth, urinating more or less than usual, vague feeling of
bodily discomfort, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin.
Problems such as confusion or hallucinations are more likely in older
adults.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Serious and potentially fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril
with an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil,
Parnate) or if it has been less than 2 weeks since you last took an MAO
inhibitor. You should strictly follow your doctor's advice regarding the
discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before taking Flexeril. Avoid alcoholic
beverages while taking Flexeril. If Flexeril is taken with certain other
drugs, the effects of either could be amplified, decreased, or altered.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Flexeril with the following: Barbiturates such as phenobarbital Guanethidine
and other high blood pressure drugs Other drugs that slow the central
nervous system, such as Halcion and Xanax Tramadol (Ultram)
NOTES
Flexeril is not a substitute for the physical therapy, rest, or exercise
that your doctor orders for proper healing. Although Flexeril relieves
the pain of strains and sprains, it is not useful for other types of pain
and should not be used to combat such pain.
DOSEAGE
ADULTS The usual dose is 10 milligrams 3 times a day. You should not take
more than 60 milligrams a day.
MISSED DOSE
Take it as soon as you remember, if it is within an hour or so of your
scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose
completely and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at
one time.
IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect
a Flexeril overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Flexeril
overdose may include: Agitation, coma, confusion, congestive heart failure,
convulsions, dilated pupils, disturbed concentration, drowsiness, hallucinations,
high or low temperature, increased heartbeats, irregular heart rhythms,
muscle stiffness, overactive reflexes, severe low blood pressure, stupor,
and vomiting. High doses also may cause any of the conditions listed in
"Side Effects."
STORAGE
Store away from heat, light, and moisture.
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