About Flexeril
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed in conjunction with physical
therapy to reduce muscle spasm and pain. It is not a substitute
for rest or therapy recommended by your doctor. Flexeril is not
useful for pain that is not caused by sprains or strained muscles,
though it is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of chronic muscle
pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Flexeril may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Individuals
taking it are advised to be aware of their reaction to this
medication and exercise caution when deciding whether they
are alert enough to drive or perform any dangerous task. If
you are drowsy or cannot see clearly, you are advised to wait
until the effect has worn off. Do not use this medication
in combination with alcohol, narcotic pain medication, or
any other sedatives.
Flexeril is only available by prescription.
Flexeril Side Effects
Common Flexeril Side Effects: drowsiness, dizziness, dry
mouth, lightheadedness.
Infrequent or Rare Side Effects: bad taste, bloating or
gas, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, difficulty speaking,
excitement, frequent urination, headache, muscle weakness, nausea
or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the extremities,
pounding heartbeat, shaking, stomach or intestinal cramps, thirst,
tiredness, vague feeling of illness or discomfort, vertigo.
Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following
rare side effects occurs: blurred or double vision, clumsiness,
confusion, decreased coordination, depression, difficulty urinating,
fainting, hepatitis, hives or itching (without other symptoms of
allergic reaction), jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), low blood pressure,
ringing in the ears, strange thoughts or dreams, unsteadiness, unusual
changes in mood or thought, water retention.
Overdose: The following symptoms indicate an overdose, get
mdical help immediately - difficulty breathing, extreme nervousness
or restlessness, flushed skin, hallucination, racing or irregular
heartbeat, seizure, shortness of breath, tiredness (extreme), unstable
temperature, unusual muscle stiffness, vomiting (in combination
with these other symptoms).
Cautions: Flexeril may not be suitable for all individuals.
If you have had any of the following conditions in the past, or
are being treated for them now, please inform your doctor. In some
cases side effects may be minimized by following your doctor's advice,
but you may be advised not to take Flexeril.
- Allergy: Any previous drug or food additive allergy should
be discussed with your doctor. A previous allergic reaction to
Flexeril, or a reaction while you are taking it, is a contraindication
to further treatment with this medication. Get help immediately
for the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Flexeril: change in
color of the face, difficulty breathing, fast breathing, hives
in or around mouth, hives or itching (in combination with these
other symptoms), racing or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath,
swelling around face or eyes, tight feeling in chest, wheezing.
- Blood vessel disease: You may be at an increased risk
of side effects.
- Difficulty urinating: Flexeril may worsen this condition.
- Glaucoma: Flexeril may worsen this condition.
- Heart problems: If you have had a recent heart attack,
congestive heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat, you should
not take Flexeril.
- Overactive thyroid: Do not take Flexeril.
Flexeril Interactions
Consult your doctor if you now take any of these medications, or if they are prescribed to you during treatment with Flexeril. Some of these medications should not be combined at all, with others your doctor may adjust your dosage or your medication schedule in order to prevent side effects. Flexeril is a central nervous system depressant, and should be used carefully in combination with any medication or supplement that may cause drowsiness.
- Alcohol - Do not use alcohol while you are taking Flexeril.
- Antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Tavist may
increase the risk of oversedation.
- Antiseizure medication like Cerebyx (fosphenytoin), Dilantin
(phenytoin), or Tegretol (carbamazepine) may leave you oversedated
in combination with Flexeril.
- Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents,
and muscle relaxants) such as Ativan
(lorazepam), Valium (diazepam),
Halcion (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Librium(chlordiazepoxide),
Xanax (alprazolam),
Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam), ProSom (estazolam),
Klonopin (clonazepam),
and others, should be used cautiously with Flexeril.
- Central Nervous System Depressants - Any prescription medication,
over the counter medication, or herbal supplement that may cause
drowsiness. These medications should be used with caution while
taking Flexeril as you may become oversedated. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist to be sure that your treatment is as safe as possible.
- Desyrel (trazodone) - Risk of additive
CNS depression.
- High blood pressure medication such as Ismelin (guanethidine)
or Tenex (guanfacine) may interact with this medication.
- MAO inhibitors - Flexeril must never be mixed with MAO (monoamine
oxidase) inhibitors, a class of antidepressants and antisenility
drugs, such as Eldepryl (selegiline), Furoxone (furazolidone),
Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), or Parnate (tranylcypromine).
Never use Flexeril within 2 weeks of stopping an MAO inhibitor.
A drug interaction in this case could be serious or even fatal.
Patients over 65 should allow a longer wait period between using
Flexeril and an MAO, as medications may stay in their system longer
than in other patients.
- Narcotic pain medication like Codeine, Demerol
(meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene),
Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine,
OxyContin (oxycodone),
Percocet (oxycodone and
acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine),
Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen), or Vicoprofen
(hydrocodone and ibuprofen) may increase the central nervous
system depressant effects of Flexeril.
- Norflex (orphenadrine)
- Risk of oversedation.
- Sedatives like Butalbital, Fioricet
(butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal,
Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates may cause oversedation
in combination with Flexeril.
- Skeletal muscle relaxants of any other type, such as Soma
(carisoprodol) or Robaxin
(methocarbamol) may overly depress the central nervous system
when combined.
- Sleep medication like Ambien
(zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon),
or over the counter sleeping pills may cause oversedation when
combined with muscle relaxants.
- Tranquilizers like Haldol (haloperidol), Mellaril (thioridazine),
or Thorazine (chlorpromazine) could cause oversedation when mixed
with Flexeril.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil
(amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine),
Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan
(doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline),
Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine), may increase
the central nervous system suppressant effects from either the
antidepressant, or the Flexeril.
- Ultram (Tramadol) - This
pain reliever may oversedate you if taken in combination with
Flexeril.
Flexeril Dosages
Flexeril comes in 10 mg tablets, and the normal dose in adults
is one 10 mg tablet three times daily. You should not exceed a total
dosage of 60 mg of Flexeril per day.
Flexeril Directions
Flexeril may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. If you
are taking this medication for a muscle injury, it should not generally
be taken for more than 3 weeks, as the injuries should have improved
in that time. If you are taking Flexeril on an ongoing basis for
fibromyalgia, never take this medicine more often, or in larger
doses than prescribed by your doctor. Be cautious about mixing Flexeril
with other medications you may take for your condition. You may
want to consult your doctor about creating a dosage schedule to
avoid combining medications that may increase each other's side
effects.
If you miss a dose of Flexeril, take it as soon as you remember.
If you don't remember until it's time to take the next dose, skip
the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take double
doses of Flexeril, as this increases the risk of side effects, including
overdose.
Flexeril may cause drowsiness, or decrease your alertness. Do not
drive or perform dangerous tasks if you feel sedated. Become familiar
with your reactions to Flexeril to be certain you are fully alert
before engaging in these activities.
Inform your doctor, dentist, or anesthesiologist that you are taking
Flexeril before any kind of surgery or medical test. You may be
asked to avoid this medication before the procedure. Flexeril should
not be combined with certain medications given during surgery.
Store Flexeril away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry
location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other
areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration
date.
Keep Flexeril away from children; both when storing it, and when
discarding any unused medication.
Flexeril may cause drowsiness or disorientation. Be cautious if
you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, avoid these activities
if you find yourself feeling tired or experience slowed reactions.
Flexeril and Pregnancy
Flexeril has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Flexeril and Children
Flexeril has not been studied for use in children under the age
of 15. Dosage for teenagers must be determined by their physician.
Flexeril and Seniors
Flexeril has not been separately studied in older adults. There
is no indication that they react very differently to Flexeril treatment,
but they may be more likely to experience side effects like confusion
or hallucination.
Flexeril is a trademark of Merck Pharmaceuticals
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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