What is cyclobenzaprine?
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.
Cyclobenzaprine is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat skeletal muscle conditions such as pain or injury.
Cyclobenzaprine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cyclobenzaprine?
Do not take cyclobenzaprine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cyclobenzaprine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
You should not take cyclobenzaprine if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have a heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure, heart block, or an overactive thyroid.
Cyclobenzaprine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of cyclobenzaprine.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking cyclobenzaprine?
Do not take cyclobenzaprine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cyclobenzaprine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not use cyclobenzaprine if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have:
Before using cyclobenzaprine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
problems with urination;
enlarged prostate;
glaucoma; or
liver disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take cyclobenzaprine.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cyclobenzaprine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.