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Generic Name: cyclobenzaprine

A skeletal muscle relaxant - It is used to treat muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness

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What is this medicine?

CYCLOBENZAPRINE (sye kloe BEN za preen) is a muscle relaxer. It is used to treat muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack
liver disease
thyroid problem
an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclobenzaprine, tricyclic antidepressants, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

cisapride
droperidol
flecainide
grepafloxacin
halofantrine
levomethadyl
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
nilotinib
pimozide
probucol
sertindole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

abarelix
alcohol
contrast dyes
dolasetron
guanethidine
medicines for cancer
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines to treat an irregular heartbeat
medicines used for sleep or numbness during surgery or procedure
methadone
octreotide
ondansetron
palonosetron
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
some medicines for infection like alfuzosin, chloroquine, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, mefloquine, pentamidine, troleandomycin
tramadol
vardenafil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check with your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not improve within 1 to 3 weeks.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking the medicine or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.

Your mouth may get dry. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on hard candy may help.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
chest pain
fast heartbeat
hallucinations
seizures
vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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