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What is Flexeril
CyclobenzaprineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that was developed in 1961 and approved for human use in 1977. It is usually prescribed as a short-term treatment to reduce muscle spasms caused by musculoskeletal injury. The drug is structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants and has become increasingly popular as an adjunctive treatment.
Flexerilis the brand name
Flexeril Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Flexeril
Cyclobenzaprine
1977
498
Effectiveness
How Flexeril Affects PatientsCyclobenzaprine is a medicine that relaxes the muscles and helps reduce spasms. It does this by affecting certain areas of the brain. However, it is not completely understood how it works. Its effects usually last for 4-6 hours. Taking cyclobenzaprine with other medications that affect the brain could cause a serious reaction called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include changes in mental status, trouble controlling the body, and stomach problems. If any of these symptoms happen, stop taking cyclobenzaprine right away.
How Flexeril works in the bodyCyclobenzaprine works on the brainstem to reduce activity in the spinal cord. This effect is believed to be caused by blocking certain pathways in the brain and spinal cord, as well as by targeting serotonin receptors. The result is decreased activity in the muscles, leading to a decrease in muscle tension and pain.
When to interrupt dosage
The quantity of Flexeril is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Physical Therapy, Rest and Chronic Pain. The dose additionally varies as per the administration technique outlined in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Chronic Pain
, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.5 mg/mg, 5.6 mg/mg, 2.8 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Kit, Kit - Oral, Topical, Kit - Topical, Capsule, film coated, extended release, Capsule, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Oral; Topical, Kit - Oral; Topical
Physical Therapy
, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.5 mg/mg, 5.6 mg/mg, 2.8 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Kit, Kit - Oral, Topical, Kit - Topical, Capsule, film coated, extended release, Capsule, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Oral; Topical, Kit - Oral; Topical
Spasm
, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.5 mg/mg, 5.6 mg/mg, 2.8 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Kit, Kit - Oral, Topical, Kit - Topical, Capsule, film coated, extended release, Capsule, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Oral; Topical, Kit - Oral; Topical
Rest
, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.5 mg/mg, 5.6 mg/mg, 2.8 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Kit, Kit - Oral, Topical, Kit - Topical, Capsule, film coated, extended release, Capsule, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Oral; Topical, Kit - Oral; Topical
acute painful musculoskeletal conditions
, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.1 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.5 mg/mg, 5.6 mg/mg, 2.8 mg/mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Kit, Kit - Oral, Topical, Kit - Topical, Capsule, film coated, extended release, Capsule, film coated, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Oral; Topical, Kit - Oral; Topical
Warnings
Flexeril ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Heart Block
Do Not Combine
Hyperthyroidism
Do Not Combine
Atrial Fibrillation
Do Not Combine
Conduction Disturbances
Do Not Combine
Myocardial Infarction
Do Not Combine
Congestive Heart Failure
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Cyclobenzaprine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Flexeril Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
7,8-Dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline
Major
Cyclobenzaprine may increase the serotonergic activities of 7,8-Dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.
Azelastine
Major
Cyclobenzaprine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Benmoxin
Major
Cyclobenzaprine may increase the serotonergic activities of Benmoxin.
Brofaromine
Major
Cyclobenzaprine may increase the serotonergic activities of Brofaromine.
Caroxazone
Major
Cyclobenzaprine may increase the serotonergic activities of Caroxazone.
Flexeril Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of cyclobenzaprine in mice and rats is 338 mg/kg and 425 mg/kg, respectively. When someone overdoses on this drug, they may feel very sleepy and have a rapid heartbeat, as well as tremors, agitation, or difficulty walking. In rare cases, a person may have a heart attack or abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure, seizures, or a rare condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. If someone has overdosed on cyclobenzaprine, it is recommended to contact a poison control center before providing treatment. Treatment often involves removing the drug from the stomach, closely monitoring the
Flexeril Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Flexeril?
179 active trials are being conducted to evaluate the potential of Flexeril in alleviating Muscle Spasms, Physical Therapy and Restorative Rest.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Rest
0 Actively Recruiting
Spasm
0 Actively Recruiting
acute painful musculoskeletal conditions
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Pain
154 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Physical Therapy
7 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Flexeril Reviews: What are patients saying about Flexeril?
5Patient Review
9/28/2016 This medication provides excellent relief from muscle pain when taken with other pain pills. I also find that weekly massages help immensely.
5Patient Review
5/6/2019 I used to love Flexeril for my muscle spasms, but since it's been discontinued I haven't had any luck with the generic brands. Amrix, Fexmid, and Robaxin have all let me down. It's so frustrating that in 2019 we can't do better than this when it comes to pain relief.
5Patient Review
7/26/2022 This treatment was a game-changer for me. It's helped with my neck disk issues and osteoarthritis, and now I can walk around again without pain.
5Patient Review
10/11/2017 I've been taking cyclobenzaprine 10 mg on and off since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2001. First from 2001 to 07, 2nd from 2008 to 10 and 3rd from 2014 to present. It has helped my whole body relax and eased the pain and allowed me to sleep better. I used to find it difficult to wake up in the morning, but that's better now. When I stopped the med, things got worse with pain and stiffness, so I find it helps me.
4.3Patient Review
7/24/2018 I find that this medication is most effective when taken at night. It doesn't work as well in cold weather, but for the most part it does alleviate my muscle cramps.
4Patient Review
1/11/2018 I was prescribed this medication for my fibromyalgia 15 years ago, and it really helped me by allowing me to sleep through the night. However, my new doctor has taken me off of it cold turkey and I am now dealing with a whole host of problems that I didn't have before. I don't know what to do at this point.
4Patient Review
4/9/2019 This treatment helped me a little bit with spasms. It reduced my pain level from a 10 to a 6.
3.3Patient Review
4/4/2018 After I fell off my bike, this medication really helped with the recovery process. It also fixed a lockjaw condition I had at the time, which surprised me. I've tried it since then but it doesn't work as well; it doesn't knock me out and I'm not sure if it's having much effect on the muscles. 2013 for fall- 2015 last dosing. Have they changed the formula?
2.3Patient Review
12/4/2020 The medication made me incredibly drowsy, but unfortunately did not help with my muscle spasms at all. So it was essentially a wash for me.
2.3Patient Review
11/24/2017 This caused my mouth to become very dry, and it wasn't as effective as soma was for me.
2Patient Review
12/27/2017 I felt really out of it and my muscle tightness got a lot worse. I started with the lowest dose and increased to the highest recommended, but I felt terrible.
2Patient Review
8/7/2019 The medicine helps with my extremely tense muscles but the bad taste it leaves in your mouth is absolutely horrid. I dont take it often do to the taste problem. I've tried brushing several times a day, flossing, gargling mouth wash, Salt water rinses, but nothing takes the horrible taste away. Does anyone have any recommendations?
1.7Patient Review
8/1/2021 The mental fog and sleepiness this pill caused me lasted for a full day, which was very unpleasant.
1Patient Review
7/27/2017 Despite using this treatment as directed, I unfortunately saw no relief from my lower back pain.
1Patient Review
5/13/2018 Not only did this medication not help with my stiffness or pain, but it made me feel awful. I would take a dose and then pass out. It was definitely not the solution for my problems.
Patient Q&A Section about flexeril
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Flexeril a strong painkiller?
"Flexeril does not kill pain but rather relaxes muscles."
Answered by AI
Is Flexeril a strong muscle relaxer?
"The two drugs most commonly used to treat musculoskeletal pain and muscle spasms are Robaxin and Flexeril. The more effective drug is the one that works best for your specific case. Flexeril is one of the most studied muscle relaxants and thus has more supporting evidence for its effectiveness."
Answered by AI
How does Flexeril make you feel?
"Flexeril can have some potentially desirable effects on the central nervous system, which can lead to misuse. People might abuse Flexeril to feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or sedated. In high doses, Flexeril can cause a variety of anticholinergic effects that change the activity of brain neurotransmitters."
Answered by AI