Also known as Cyclobenzaprine, Flexeril is a medication that is used to relax muscles. Doctors prescribe it in combination with physical therapy and rest to alleviate the muscle spasms and pains caused by muscle injuries, sprains or strains. Flexeril is available in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.
How It Works
Flexeril works to relieve muscle spasms by affecting the brain stem, rather than the muscles themselves or the spinal cord. The drug will only relieve muscle spasms that are caused by muscle problems, not spasms that are caused by spinal cord or brain problems.
Benefits of Flexeril
• Used to treat muscle spasms
• Used to treat disorders associated with painful, tender or stiff muscles
• Used to decrease muscle pain
Taking Flexeril
You should take Flexeril tablets orally three times daily, or as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage will vary according to your response to the medication and your specific medical condition. Never increase your dose, because you risk suffering more severe side effects.
Flexeril is intended for short-term use only, so you should not take the drug for a longer period than three weeks. If you do not notice an improvement within two-three weeks, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
Some possible side effects of taking Flexeril include constipation, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, fatigue, lightheadedness or drowsiness.
If you suffer any of the following serious side effects, talk to your doctor immediately: confusion, hallucinations, dark urine, loss of coordination, difficulty urinating, seizures, fainting, irregular/pounding/fast heartbeat, yellow skin or eyes, lack of appetite or persistent vomiting or nausea.