Cyclobenzaprine: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Skeletal muscle relaxants are often prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions including low back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome. The goals of treatment include managing muscle pain and improving functional status so the patient can return to work or resume previous activities. Muscle strain and backache may be common during pregnancy, but many drugs that are safe for most adults can be harmful to a pregnant woman or her fetus. Flexeril, known generically as cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant most often given for treatment of injury or muscle strain 1. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor about your condition and about all medications you are taking before taking any additional medication to make sure it is safe for you and your baby.

• Now I was off them for 3 months and my entire 1st trimester but my OB states that they are a CAT B drug and should be fine now that I am in my 2nd tri.
• Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available.
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Comparison studies have not shown one skeletal muscle relaxant to be superior to another. Cyclobenzaprine is the most heavily studied and has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions. The sedative properties of tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine may benefit patients with insomnia caused by severe muscle spasms. Methocarbamol and metaxalone are less sedating, although effectiveness evidence is limited. Adverse effects, particularly dizziness and drowsiness, are consistently reported with all skeletal muscle relaxants. The potential adverse effects should be communicated clearly to the patient.

Flexeril should not be mixed with alcohol due to the amplified central nervous system depressant effects. When pregnant, some of these side effects may be more intense or significant. The possibility of these should be assessed before taking a medication like Flexeril. This likely occurs as a result of the way that Flexeril is thought to inhibit norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, which in turn inhibits how to get flexeril nitric oxide and prostaglandin — the most common cause of this condition. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine publishes a case wherein a baby was born in respiratory distress and experiencing pulmonary hypertension after the mother took Flexeril during pregnancy. The report indicates that the use of Flexeril in late pregnancy may lead to early ductal closure of the heart in utero.

There is little evidence to support or discourage the use of topical NSAIDs during pregnancy. Because systemic absorption of these preparations is lower than oral NSAIDs, it is reasonable to use them in the first two trimesters. NSAIDs are considered safe during lactation and are a mainstay in the management of postpartum pain.

By affecting the body’s alpha and gamma motor systems, the drug works by lowering muscle hyperactivity, which causes spasms. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication.

Flexeril Precautions

We also tell you some natural remedies to treat muscle injuries. I tend to get tight muscles in my back and neck causeing severe pain. Before I was pregnant I would take Flexeril – 10mg at night before bed to sleep and I will wake up in the morning feeling great like I never had a knot or tight muscle. No reports have been located on the excretion of cyclobenzaprine into milk. The molecular weight (about 276 for the free base) is low enough that excretion into milk should be expected. In addition, the closely related tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., see Imipramine) are excreted into milk and this should be considered before cyclobenzaprine is used during lactation.

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The guide reports that it is unclear whether or not it is safe to use during pregnancy. Even though animal trials indicate it most likely is safe, it is still best to exercise caution and only take Flexeril while pregnant if you absolutely have to. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) gets to its highest levels in the blood seven to eight hours after ingestion. The duration of Flexeril in the blood will be based on its half-life.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

Higher doses of cyclobenzaprine or tizanidine would be appropriate to promote sedation in cases of more severe discomfort or perceived muscular spasm. Although there appears to be insufficient data on metaxalone and methocarbamol, these may be useful in patients who cannot tolerate the sedative properties of cyclobenzaprine or tizanidine. Of note, methocarbamol costs substantially less than metaxalone. Muscle injuries become extremely prevalent while you’re recovering from your pregnancy and the birthing process, as well as caring for your infant. However, despite being a commonly prescribed medicine for a short-term course to alleviate muscle sprains, Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) has been discovered in breastmilk.

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As a result, there could be risks to the fetus if a pregnant woman takes it. Our Montecito treatment and therapy options include many alternative and modern therapeutic options. Our overall goal is, and always will be, your overall health and wellness; this includes a commitment to your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. We take pride in our ability to help you regain control over your life. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. If this medication upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Our experts are constantly authoring and updating our database.. If our current collection does not include an exposure of interest to you, or if you have additional questions after reading a Fact Sheet, please contact our team so we can address your exposure.