What should you know about Flexeril muscle relaxant?

Flexeril is the brand name commonly used for cyclobenzaprine. It acts on the nervous system to reduce muscle spasm associated with some painful musculoskeletal problems. It does not treat every cause of back pain and does not replace evaluation for nerve compression, injury or infection. Relief may be accompanied by sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision or reduced alertness.

Take it only as prescribed and do not take extra doses when a spasm persists. Avoid alcohol, driving and tasks requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Tell the prescriber about other medicines, especially sedatives, opioid pain medicines, antidepressants and medicines that cause drowsiness. Older adults and people with liver disease, heart rhythm problems, glaucoma or difficulty urinating may need a different plan. Do not share tablets or stop a longer prescribed course without advice.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, fainting, severe confusion, a fast or irregular heartbeat, facial swelling, or a widespread blistering rash. Contact a clinician promptly if extreme sleepiness, agitation, fever, sweating, tremor, muscle stiffness or worsening weakness develops. Sudden back pain with leg weakness or bladder and bowel changes also needs urgent assessment.

Ask what caused the spasm, how the medicine fits with physiotherapy, which medicines or drinks to avoid, and what to do if you miss a dose or feel too sleepy.