Flexeril(Cyclobenzaprine)

Flexeril, a muscle relaxant, is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Cyclobenzaprine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day. Do not take this drug for more than 3 weeks without talking to your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cyclobenzaprine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Before taking Flexeril

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyclobenzaprine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially medications for depression, seizures, allergies, coughs, or colds; MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, glaucoma, or difficulty urinating.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cyclobenzaprine, call your doctor immediately.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.