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Cyclobenzaprine acts a muscle relaxant and can be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions that result in muscle spasms. It’s also prescribed when patients have strained muscles through physical activity and need immediate relief. It’s sold under the brand names Flexeril and Amrix in the United States. The drug acts on the central nervous system — specifically, on the brain, rather than the spinal cord.

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Also, methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are not recommended in pregnant women, elderly adults, and young children. Zanaflex may cause liver injury in some people, especially those who have a history of liver impairment. Flexeril should also be used with caution in individuals with liver problems.

Advice to Patients

The immediate effects of cyclobenzaprine typically last from 4 to 6 hours after oral consumption of the medication. However, cyclobenzaprine, even the immediate-release formulation, has a half-life of 18 hours. Extended-release forms of the drug remain in your system for up to 37 hours. This means that people abusing a cyclobenzaprine high can be affected for a prolonged period.

Flexeril is also known to cause other side effects such as constipation and nausea. Cyclobenzaprine relieves skeletal muscle spasm of local origin without interfering with muscle function. It is ineffective in muscle spasm due to central nervous system disease. Evidence suggests that the net effect of cyclobenzaprine is a reduction of tonic somatic motor activity, influencing both gamma (γ) and alpha (α) motor systems.

Cyclobenzaprine Warnings – Why Was Flexeril Discontinued, Abuse, & Addiction Treatment

It is not generally recommended to drink alcohol with muscle relaxants. Zanaflex may be harmful to the unborn baby according to animal studies. There have been no adequate animal or human studies that show Flexeril is harmful while pregnant. Muscle relaxers should only be used if there are clear benefits that outweigh potential risks. Seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for treatment options while pregnant. The most common side effects of Flexeril include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and dizziness.

  • Cyclobenzaprine acts a muscle relaxant and can be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions that result in muscle spasms.
  • The capsule may be swallowed whole, but its contents also may be sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce for immediate consumption without chewing the granules.
  • You can get your BuzzRx card for free and start saving on muscle relaxants at a participating pharmacy near you right away.
  • Cyclobenzaprine is structurally and pharmacologically related to tricyclic antidepressants.
  • However, like other muscle relaxers, it can be abused by some people.

Some people may prefer extended-release generic Flexeril for its once-daily dosing. But, Flexeril may also cause more adverse effects like drowsiness and dry mouth. Discuss these treatment options with a doctor to find the best medication for you. Both Robaxin and Flexeril work in similar ways through acting on the central nervous system (CNS).

Alcohol can compound muscle-relaxant side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or loss of coordination. Muscle relaxants should be avoided or monitored before operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Muscle relaxants like Robaxin or Flexeril can cause increased dizziness or drowsiness and impair cognitive performance. Even if you have insurance, the prices of Robaxin, Fexmid, Amrix, and other muscle relaxants may be cheaper through the BuzzRx discount program.

In a head-to-head trial between methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine, there was no significant difference in muscle spasms or tenderness. However, patients experienced slightly better improvements in local pain with cyclobenzaprine (48% vs. 40%). Cyclobenzaprine flexeril without prescription was also found to produce more somnolence or drowsiness (58% vs. 10%). In a small number of people, cyclobenzaprine and methocarbamol can cause more serious adverse effects such as allergic reactions with severe rash, swelling, and trouble breathing.

If you don’t have insurance, you can use a SingleCare discount card to cut this cost to less than $8 depending on your pharmacy. Even if you do have insurance, it may be a good idea to find out if you can get a cheaper price on muscle relaxants. Flexeril (generic name cyclobenzaprine) was developed in the 1970s. Flexeril works on the central nervous system to reduce motor activity or muscle contractions, thus, relieving muscle spasms. Drinking alcohol while taking Zanaflex or Flexeril can enhance the sedative effects of these drugs.

Both cyclobenzaprine and tizanidine were found to be effective for musculoskeletal conditions such as acute neck or back pain. You may be skeptical about the possibility of a cyclobenzaprine high. One report found that some people were engaging in cyclobenzaprine recreational use, in combination with illicit drugs, in an attempt to experience psychoactive effects.