Flexeril
In brief
- Flexeril is the label under which we offer cyclobenzaprine 15 mg tablets, with pack sizes from 20 up to 360 tablets.
- Flexeril is a muscle relaxant taken for a short time to ease painful muscle spasm after sprains, strains and similar injuries.
- Flexeril is a prescription medicine, so a doctor decides whether it is appropriate and determines the dose and how long to take it.
- A Flexeril course is intended to be brief, generally not beyond two to three weeks.
- Drowsiness, dry mouth and dizziness are common with Flexeril; avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
- Flexeril must never be taken with MAO inhibitors, and combining it with SSRIs or SNRIs can lead to serotonin syndrome.
- Alcohol and other sedating medicines can add to the effects of Flexeril, so avoid them unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Older adults and people with liver, heart or thyroid problems may respond differently to Flexeril; share your health history with your doctor.
- Delivery time depends on the shipping method and is shown at checkout.
Flexeril Key Facts
- Active substance (INN): cyclobenzaprine (as hydrochloride)
- Form and strength we offer: tablets, 15 mg
- Pack sizes: 20 to 360 tablets
- Medicine group: centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant
- Supply status: prescription medicine
What the Flexeril Listing Means
Flexeril is a recognized brand name for cyclobenzaprine. Our Flexeril listing is for cyclobenzaprine 15 mg tablets, a generic equivalent of the brand product. As Flexeril is a prescription medicine, a doctor makes the treatment decision and supervises it. The information that follows rests on standard references and the Health Canada product monograph. It is general in nature and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Is Flexeril Suitable for You?
Flexeril should not be used by the following people:
- those allergic to cyclobenzaprine or to any component of the tablets;
- anyone who takes an MAO inhibitor (a kind of antidepressant), or stopped one within the last 14 days;
- people in the recovery period after a heart attack, or who have heart rhythm disorders, heart block, heart failure or an overactive thyroid;
- children, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Let your doctor know before starting Flexeril if you have glaucoma, trouble passing urine, liver disease or epilepsy, or if you are older than 65.
What Flexeril Is Prescribed For
Flexeril is added to rest and physical therapy to relieve the muscle spasm that goes with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions, for example strained backs and sprains. It is not meant for long-term use. Flexeril also does not help muscle spasm caused by diseases of the brain or spinal cord, nor spasm related to cerebral palsy.
How Flexeril Relaxes Muscle
The cyclobenzaprine in Flexeril works mostly in the brainstem rather than in the muscle itself. It dials down the nerve signals that make a muscle tighten, which eases the spasm and the discomfort around it. Chemically, cyclobenzaprine is related to the tricyclic antidepressants, and this relationship accounts for several of its side effects and interactions.
Flexeril Dosage and Directions
Your doctor selects the Flexeril dose after considering your age, general health and other medicines. In the product monograph, the adult reference range describes cyclobenzaprine taken several times a day over a short course, with a lower dose for older adults and for people with liver problems. Follow your doctor's instructions and the pack label, and ask how the 15 mg strength fits into your plan.
Taking Flexeril Tablets Correctly
- Flexeril tablets are swallowed with water and can be taken with or without food.
- Use Flexeril only at the times your doctor gave you; if drowsiness is a problem, ask for the dose and timing to be reviewed.
- Stop at the end of the period your doctor set. References describe use lasting up to two to three weeks.
- Persistent pain is not a reason to take extra Flexeril; call your doctor instead.
Flexeril Side Effects
The product monograph states how often each Flexeril side effect occurs.
Common Flexeril Side Effects
- sleepiness and tiredness;
- a dry mouth;
- dizziness or headache;
- constipation, nausea or a bad taste in the mouth.
Serious Flexeril Side Effects
- a racing, pounding or uneven heartbeat, or chest pain;
- agitation, hallucinations, high fever, sweating, shivering or stiff, rigid muscles (signs of serotonin syndrome);
- swelling of the face or throat, a widespread rash or difficulty breathing (an allergic reaction);
- confusion, fainting or seizures.
If any serious symptom appears after Flexeril, get urgent medical help.
Flexeril and Other Medicines
- MAO inhibitors: never together with Flexeril, because severe and possibly fatal reactions can occur.
- SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, tramadol and triptans: used with Flexeril, these may increase the chance of serotonin syndrome.
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids and other sedatives: they can pile on top of the drowsiness from Flexeril.
- Anticholinergic medicines (certain antihistamines and bladder medicines): dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision may get worse.
- Guanethidine and similar blood pressure medicines: Flexeril may lessen their effect.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you use, herbal products such as St. John's wort included.
Flexeril in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Flexeril is used during pregnancy only when clearly needed, and that call belongs to your doctor. Because cyclobenzaprine can pass into breast milk, talk with your doctor about whether Flexeril suits you while breastfeeding.
Flexeril, Alcohol and Driving
Flexeril may bring on drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Hold off on driving, using machinery or any task that needs full alertness until you know your own reaction to Flexeril. Alcohol adds to these effects, so avoid it throughout treatment.
Storing Flexeril, Missed Doses and Overdose
Keep Flexeril tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Missed a dose? Take it when you remember unless the next one is near, and never double up. An overdose can cause severe drowsiness, a fast heartbeat or seizures; contact a poison control centre or go to emergency care immediately.
Flexeril Next to Other Options
| Feature | Flexeril | Methocarbamol | Baclofen | Ibuprofen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active substance | cyclobenzaprine | methocarbamol | baclofen | ibuprofen |
| Type | muscle relaxant | muscle relaxant | muscle relaxant | NSAID pain reliever |
| Worth knowing | short-term spasm use; drowsiness and dry mouth are common | also for acute spasm; generally less anticholinergic effect | mainly for spasticity from neurological conditions | treats pain and inflammation without relaxing muscle directly |
Flexeril FAQ
Will Flexeril work as a pain reliever?
Not in the usual sense. Flexeril relaxes muscle; easing the spasm may reduce pain, but it is not an analgesic.
What is the longest Flexeril course?
Your doctor sets the length. Reference sources describe a maximum of roughly two to three weeks.
Can I drink alcohol with Flexeril?
It is best avoided, because alcohol adds to the drowsiness and dizziness that Flexeril can cause.
Which Flexeril packs are offered?
Flexeril 15 mg tablets come in packs from 20 to 360. Delivery time depends on the shipping method and is shown at checkout.
