Precautions
Because cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril is chemically like tricyclic antidepressants, this drug should not be taken in combination with antidepressant medications, especially MAO inhibitors, which are very potent. This combination can lead to serotonin syndrome, when the brain is flooded with too much serotonin.
Can I take other medications with Flexeril?
· Flexeril and other muscle relaxers make the effects of alcohol more noticeable and make the two a popular combination for some. Other pain medications and antidepressants amplify the effects of Flexeril and can lead to a more intense high. Mixing the drugs can lead to dangerous and unpredictable outcomes.
Can cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) be used for depression?
· Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults. Common Flexeril side effects may include: drowsiness, tiredness; headache, dizziness; dry mouth; or. upset stomach, nausea, constipation. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
How does Flexeril work to treat pain?
· Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) has been considered structurally related to the first-generation tricyclic antidepressants, however there is no mention anywhere of using Flexeril for treatment of depression. +0 MR Mr Kelley M Weldin 14 Jun 2021 I have taken anti-depressants and many pain meds.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Flexeril?
The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam (found in Xanax) and Cyclobenzaprine (found in Flexeril) Using ALPRAZolam together with cyclobenzaprine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
Can you take muscle relaxers with antidepressants?
Muscle Relaxers and Antidepressants “Muscle relaxers, especially those that resemble a class of medication called tricyclic anti-depressants, can interact with anti-depressants and cause dizziness and in rare cases something called serotonin syndrome,” explains Dr. Mukai.
What medications should not be taken with Flexeril?
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication.
Can you take Flexeril with anxiety medication?
Flexeril should never be given within 14 days of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants, as the combination may be fatal. Interaction with other drugs that also increase serotonin (such as antidepressants, tramadol, St John's Wort, bupropion) may cause serotonin syndrome.
Can I take Flexeril if I'm on Lexapro?
Using cyclobenzaprine together with escitalopram can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred ...
Can I take Flexeril with Zoloft?
Using sertraline together with cyclobenzaprine can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred ...
Can Flexeril cause serotonin syndrome?
The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome has been reported with FLEXERIL when used in combination with other drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tramadol, bupropion, meperidine ...
Is Flexeril an antidepressant?
Background. Cyclobenzaprine (sye" kloe ben' za preen) is a tricyclic antidepressant derivative that relaxes skeletal muscle by an unknown mechanism of action. Cyclobenzaprine is also a central nervous system depressant, and its efficacy may be related to its sedative effects.
Is Flexeril a strong muscle relaxer?
Robaxin and Flexeril are effective treatments for treating musculoskeletal pain and muscle spasms. The more effective drug is the one that works best for your specific case. Flexeril is one of the most studied muscle relaxants; thus, it has more supporting evidence for its effectiveness.
Can muscle relaxers decrease anxiety?
Benzodiazepines are a group of medications that can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to sleep. They are also used as a muscle relaxant, to induce sedation for surgery and other medical procedures, and in the treatment of seizures and alcohol withdrawal.
What medications should not be taken with Lexapro?
Do not use escitalopram with buspirone (Buspar®), fentanyl (Abstral®, Duragesic®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), tryptophan, St. John's wort, amphetamines, or some pain or migraine medicines (eg, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, tramadol, Frova®, Imitrex®, Maxalt®, Relpax®, Ultram®, Zomig®).
What drugs interact with cyclobenzaprine?
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication.
What are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
Signs and symptoms include:Agitation or restlessness.Insomnia.Confusion.Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.Dilated pupils.Loss of muscle coordination or twitching muscles.High blood pressure.Muscle rigidity.More items...•
Before Taking This Medicine
Do not take Flexeril if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegili...
How Should I Take Flexeril?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take Flexeril in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your d...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regul...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Flexeril can be fatal.Overdose symptoms may i...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Flexeril?
Many drugs can interact with Flexeril. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using: 1. atropine (Donnatal, and others), benztro...
Severe Interactions
These medications are not usually taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Serious Interactions
These medications may interact and cause very harmful effects. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Moderate Interactions
These medications may cause some risk when taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
What are the side effects of Flexeril?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Flexeril: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, balance problems.
What is flexeril used for?
Flexeril is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain, injury, or spasms.
How long does Flexeril last?
Take the medicine at the same time each day. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks, or if they get worse. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Detailed Flexeril dosage information.
How old do you have to be to use Flexeril?
Flexeril is not approved for use by anyone younger than 15 years old.
How to contact the poison line for cyclobenzaprine?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of cyclobenzaprine can be fatal.
Is Flexeril safe for babies?
Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications. To make sure Flexeril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease; glaucoma; enlarged prostate; or. problems with urination. It is not known whether cyclo benzaprine will harm an unborn baby.
Can you share Flexeril with kids?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Flexeril only for the indication prescribed.
What is the class of amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline is belongs to a class of medicines called tri-cyclic anti depressants.The tri-cyclics include amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, norpramin, imipramine, and others. These medicines have been on the market for over 20 years or more, and have an excellent safety record.
Can you taper antidepressants?
With any of the anti-depressants, you should always taper under the supervision of your GP or psychiatrist. This allows your body to slowly adjust to the drop in dosage and is less likely to cause this 'discontinuation syndrome' or withdrawal problems. JU.
Is Flexeril a tricyclic?
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) has been considered structurally related to the first-generation tricyclic antidepressants, however there is no mention anywhere of using Flexeril for treatment of depression.
Is Zanaflex an antidepressant?
they are not an anti depressant.they are for muscle spasm.They are pretty good.But the zanaflex was better for me.They come in 4,6 and 8 mg.Most ins. want let you get the 8.so if your Doc put you 8mg get the 6mg and cut in 1/3 works great with the 10-norco i have to take for pain.And they don't put me to sleep like the flex did.Hope this helps you.
Is Zanaflex better than Flexeril?
Zanaflex has worked much better for me as a muscle relaxer and even sleep aid compared to Flexeril which actually made my muscles twitchy at night and wake me up. Flexeril made me feel edgy and I've never heard of it for anti depress. Good luck!
What are the ingredients in Flexeril?
The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam (found in Xanax) and Cyclobenzaprine (found in Flexeril)
Can grapefruit juice be taken with alprazolam?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with ALPRAZolam and lead to potentially dangerous side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Do not drink alcohol while taking ALPRAZolam. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. You may feel more drowsy, dizzy, or tired if you take ALPRAZolam with alcohol. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Can alcohol cause cyclobenzaprine to be taken with a syringe?
Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cyclobenzaprine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with cyclobenzaprine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of cyclobenzaprine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Answers
Hi, Crankin! This is the report from the Interaction Checker here on Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=758-386,1013-565 If your doctor prescribed both medications it's probably because they feel the benefits outweigh the risk of the rare but serious condition.
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Medical warning
Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs
Both of these medicines can increase the level of serotonin in your body.
What might happen
High serotonin levels may cause changes in body temperature, blood pressure and behavior, leading to a medical condition called Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin Syndrome may be life threatening.
What you should do about this interaction
Make sure your healthcare professionals (e.g.
How It Works
Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy.
Status: Discontinued
May Treat: Muscle spasm
Drug Class: Skeletal Muscle Relaxant - Central Muscle Relaxants
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Status: Discontinued
May Treat: Muscle spasm
Drug Class: Skeletal Muscle Relaxant - Central Muscle Relaxants
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: J&J CONS INC. M · MERCK SHARP & D
- Recommended for short term use only
- May make you drowsy or dizzy. Drive with caution
- Avoid alcohol/other drugs that make you sleepy
- Recommended for short term use only
- May make you drowsy or dizzy. Drive with caution
- Avoid alcohol/other drugs that make you sleepy
- Inform doctor about all the medicines you use
- Call doctor if you are not better in 3 weeks.
- For capsule, ext release 24 hr products : If available, read the patient package insert. Do not chew or crush. May add contents to applesauce. Do not chew.
- For tablet products : Call Dr before increasing dose or frequency. Tell doctor your complete medical history. Seniors may respond to a smaller starting dose.
Upsides
Bottom Line
Tips
Response and Effectiveness
- Flexeril is a brand (trade) name for cyclobenzaprine which may be used to relieve muscle spasms.
- Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) relaxes muscles by reducing muscle hyperactivity through an action on both gamma and alpha motor systems (these are nerve fibers that directly connect with skeletal muscl...
- Flexeril is a brand (trade) name for cyclobenzaprine which may be used to relieve muscle spasms.
- Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) relaxes muscles by reducing muscle hyperactivity through an action on both gamma and alpha motor systems (these are nerve fibers that directly connect with skeletal muscl...
- Flexeril will not reduce muscle spasms due to central nervous system (CNS) disease, such as cerebral palsy.
- Flexeril belongs to a class of drugs known as muscle relaxants.
Interactions
- May be used for the short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute, painful, musculoskeletal conditions.
- Improves pain, tenderness, and range of motion associated with muscle spasms and increases a person's ability to perform their day-to-day activities.
- Relieves skeletal muscle spasms without interfering with muscle function.
- May be used for the short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute, painful, musculoskeletal conditions.
- Improves pain, tenderness, and range of motion associated with muscle spasms and increases a person's ability to perform their day-to-day activities.
- Relieves skeletal muscle spasms without interfering with muscle function.
- The sedative effects of Flexeril may help people sleep who are experiencing insomnia as a result of muscle spasms.
References
- Flexeril is a muscle relaxant that may be used short-term in addition to rest and physical therapy to treat muscle spasms caused by musculoskeletal conditions. Sedation is a common side effect.
Further Information
- Flexeril may be taken with or without food.
- Flexeril should be taken in addition to rest and physical therapy.
- The effective dosage of Flexeril varies between individuals. Take Flexeril exactly as directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if you experience any worrying side effects or if Flexeril is …
- Flexeril may be taken with or without food.
- Flexeril should be taken in addition to rest and physical therapy.
- The effective dosage of Flexeril varies between individuals. Take Flexeril exactly as directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if you experience any worrying side effects or if Flexeril is no...
- Flexeril is usually only given for a maximum of two to three weeks. Your doctor may advise tapering off the dose slowly when it is time to discontinue it.