Cyclobenzaprine is a medication doctors prescribe for individuals experiencing sprain or strain-related muscle spasms. When combined with rest and physical therapy, this medication treats conditions such as acute neck and low back pain. Doctors may also prescribe this medication for individuals with fibromyalgia to help these men and women sleep, be less fatigued, and experience less pain. The medication blocks nerve impulses sent to the brain and works through the brain stem rather than the skeletal system.
Dosing
The doctor will share the cyclobenzaprine prescription info with the patient when prescribing the medication. They will determine what dose a person should take and the length of treatment. Most doctors prescribe two to three weeks of this medication for muscle spasms. This medication must be taken whole. Never crush or chew it, and don’t break it open. If symptoms do not improve during treatment, contact the doctor for further guidance. The dosage varies depending on the condition being treated.
Patients need to follow the dosing schedule exactly. If a person misses a dose, they should take it as soon as they realize the mistake. However, two doses should not be taken at the same time or within a very short interval. If a person becomes very drowsy after taking this medication, vomits, notices their heartbeat is very rapid, or has hallucinations or tremors, they need to seek immediate medical attention as these are signs of an overdose, which can be fatal if not addressed immediately.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects of this medication include drowsiness and headache. Some users have reported dizziness, and many have complained of a dry mouth. Nausea and constipation have also been reported by individuals taking Cyclobenzaprine.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of this medication. A person might have a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Hives and breathing difficulties may also accompany this reaction. Contact the doctor immediately if the heartbeat is fast or irregular, or if the individual experiences chest pain or pressure. Pain that spreads to the jaw or shoulder should be reported to the doctor promptly, while sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body should prompt a trip to the emergency room. Seek medical help immediately for balance issues or slurred speech. These side effects are more common in seniors.
Who Cannot Use This Medication?
Certain people should not take Cyclobenzaprine. Anyone allergic to this drug should consider other options. Men and women with a heart condition should talk with their doctor before taking this drug, and those with hyperthyroidism must learn about different medications that may be used in its place. The same holds for anyone who has taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. This medication has only been approved for individuals 15 and older, and everyone must let their doctor know about any other medications they take, as serotonin syndrome is a concern.
Women who are pregnant must let their doctor know, as Cyclobenzaprine can interfere with neural tube development in emerging fetuses. Breastfeeding moms should also alert their physicians. It remains unclear whether the medication will pass into the baby’s bloodstream through breast milk.
Cyclobenzaprine benefits many individuals when taken correctly. However, care must be taken with this medication, as it does come with side effects. When a person shares their medical history with their doctor, the risk of severe adverse effects is significantly diminished. The individual will get the relief they need without harming their health.
