Cyclobenzaprineis a generic prescription medication classified as askeletal muscle relaxantormuscle relaxant.
This in-depth article will cover the effects of cyclobenzaprine and provide other important information about this medicine.
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What Is Cyclobenzaprine and How Does It Work?
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It is used along with other measures like rest and physical therapy.
Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant.
It works in the brain (not directly on muscles) to help relieve muscle spasms.
Sometimes, healthcare providers prescribe medication for a use that is not approved by the FDA.
This is called off-label prescribing.
Cyclobenzaprine is sometimesprescribed off-label forfibromyalgiain adults.
Dosing Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine dosing is as follows:
For How Long Is Cyclobenzaprine Effective?
However, noticing the full benefit of this medicine may take one or two days.
A dose of extended-release cyclobenzaprine reaches its maximum effect within about seven to eight hours.
The average half-life of immediate-release cyclobenzaprine is 18 hours but can range from 8 to 37 hours.
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Do not drive until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you.
Serotonin syndromeis a life-threatening condition due to the buildup of too much serotonin.
It can be life-threatening or cause death if not treated.
This is one reason your healthcare provider must know all the medicines you take.
Do not chew or crush it.
Overdose symptoms may include:
How Effective Is It?
The researchers found that cyclobenzaprine was most effective in the first four days of treatment.
Because everyone is different, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for more information about cyclobenzaprine.
This medication should be taken along with other measures, like rest and physical therapy.
Immediate-release cyclobenzaprine starts to work within an hour and lasts for four to six hours.
Because of this, it can be taken up to three times daily.
Extended-release cyclobenzaprine works over time, with one dose lasting up to 24 hours.
Because of this, it is taken only once per day.
It carries a risk of sedation, so exercise caution when taking this medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store cyclobenzaprine at room temperature away from direct light, heat, and moisture.
Do not store it in the bathroom.
As with all medications, keep out of reach and sight of children and pets.
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
These drugs do not interact and can be taken together.
However, although Tylenol can help with pain, it does not help with swelling and inflammation.
If you have inflammation, an NSAID may be more helpful than Tylenol.
Experts recommend using ice for acute injuries like sprains and strains.
Especially during the first few days, ice can help with swelling and bruising.
Heat can actually make an acute injury worse.
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