CYCLOBENZAPRINE

Who is Cyclobenzaprine for ?

Cyclobenzaprine, 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 works on nerves in the spinal cord to dull nerve impulses or signals to the muscles. Dulling these nerve impulses will help relieve muscle spasms.

When should I be careful taking Cyclobenzaprine ?

Before taking cyclobenzaprine,

• 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.

Side Effects

Although side effects from cyclobenzaprine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• upset stomach

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• swelling of the face or tongue
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• irregular heart rate
• chest pain
• fever
• seizures