Cyclobenzaprine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action DrugBank Online

In severe overdose, ventricular arrhythmias and seizures may require MICU-level of care under the supervision of a critical care physician. As discussed above, the clinician should consider contacting the poison control center in refractory cases. A psychiatrist consult is required for deliberate poisoning of cyclobenzaprine. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.

Low Dose Naltrexone and Chronic Pain Management – PracticalPainManagement.com

Low Dose Naltrexone and Chronic Pain Management.

Posted: Fri, 29 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Medicines that interact with Flexeril may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Flexeril. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including liver damage.

It is usually taken as a 2 mg or 4 mg tablet every six to eight hours. Overall, the study found that these drugs are comparable in efficacy and safety. Other guidelines suggest that muscle relaxants cause increased drowsiness and should only be used short-term. According to a meta-analysis, cyclobenzaprine has been studied in the most clinical trials with evidence to support its use. Tizanidine was shown to be effective for spasticity due to multiple sclerosis.

Generic methocarbamol is around $6.25 for 30 tablets of the 500mg dose with a BuzzRx drug discount card. Brand name Robaxin is approximately $95 for 30 tablets of the 750mg dose with a BuzzRx savings card. Generic cyclobenzaprine may be under $0.50 for 30 tablets of the 10mg dose through the BuzzRx discount program. Methocarbamol can be used for long or short-term treatment as advised by a doctor. On the other hand, cyclobenzaprine is generally not prescribed for longer than two or three weeks.

Continuing Education Activity

Zanaflex only comes in immediate-release oral tablets and capsules while Flexeril comes in an extended-release capsule. Flexeril is known to cause serotonin syndrome, especially when taken with certain antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and opioids. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome should be monitored when starting treatment with Flexeril. Like other muscle relaxants, Zanaflex and Flexeril work in the central nervous system (CNS). Seek medical attention if symptoms of hepatic failure occur during therapy with this agent. 5 mg 3 times daily; may increase dosage to 10 mg 3 times daily depending on response.

• Brand name Robaxin is approximately $95 for 30 tablets of the 750mg dose with a BuzzRx savings card.
• Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients.
• Both drugs are also often used to treat low back pain, a common problem in adults in the US.
• Drinking alcohol while taking Zanaflex or Flexeril can enhance the sedative effects of these drugs.
• It is not recommended to consume alcohol while on Robaxin or Flexeril.

Zanaflex (What is Zanaflex?) is the brand name for tizanidine and acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It was initially approved in 1996 for the treatment of muscle spasticity. Although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, it is believed to manage muscle spasticity through the inhibition of motor nerve signals. In case of acute cyclobenzaprine overdose, emergency medicine physicians and triage nurses should stabilize the patient. If EKG demonstrates QRS prolongation, the clinician should initiate sodium bicarbonate therapy.

Cautions for Cyclobenzaprine

Up to 80% of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives. It’s important to thoroughly inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions because muscle relaxants might not be suitable for certain diseases and conditions. Both Zanaflex and Flexeril can interact with drugs that have CNS depressant effects. These types of drugs include barbiturates, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Zanaflex and Flexeril can enhance their effects and lead to increased dizziness and sedation.

These medications should only be taken if their benefits outweigh the risks. Muscle relaxants should only be taken with medical guidance from a doctor. Since Robaxin and Flexeril which is stronger flexeril or baclofen have CNS depressant effects, they can interact with other drugs that have similar effects. Drugs that have CNS depressant effects include barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely. Flexeril is one of the most studied muscle relaxants; thus, it has more supporting evidence for its effectiveness. In a systematic review, it was found that, in general, muscle relaxants are comparable in effectiveness. This review included other muscle relaxants such as metaxalone, baclofen, tizanidine, orphenadrine, and chlorzoxazone. Robaxin and Flexeril are FDA approved to treat discomfort or muscle spasms from acute musculoskeletal conditions as well as tetanus.

Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant that works on the brainstem to treat muscle spasms of local origin. Methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are not recommended in elderly adults. Both medications are on the BEERS list, a recognized list of medications prepared by the American Geriatrics Society. Muscle relaxants with CNS depressant effects can increase the risk of dizziness, falls, and serious injury in the elderly. Flexeril has also been studied to treat fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by muscle pain all over the body.