How It Works
Cyclobenzaprine is a drug used to relax muscles. Experts do not
know exactly how this drug works to improve
. Cyclobenzaprine is chemically similar to
amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, so experts believe
that the two drugs may work in similar ways.
Why It Is Used
Doctors may prescribe cyclobenzaprine to treat the pain, stiffness,
and sleep problems that occur with fibromyalgia. This is currently an
of the drug.
How Well It Works
People with fibromyalgia who take cyclobenzaprine seem to notice an
overall improvement in their symptoms, and they especially note improved
sleep. The medicine's effects may decrease over
time.
Side Effects
Side effects include:
- Drowsiness.
- Dry
mouth.
- Dizziness.
Less common side effects include fatigue, weakness, nausea,
constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, nervousness, and confusion.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
It is difficult to measure improvements in painful diseases like
fibromyalgia. This makes it hard to tell how effective a drug is in treating
this condition.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
Goldenberg DL, et al. (2004). Management of
fibromyalgia syndrome. JAMA, 292(19):
2388–2395.
Tofferi JK, et al. (2004). Treatment of fibromyalgia
with cyclobenzaprine: A meta-analysis. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 51(1): 9–13.
Bradley LA, Alarcon GS (2005). Fibromyalgia section of
Miscellaneous rheumatic diseases. In WJ Koopman, LW Moreland, eds.,
Arthritis and Allied Conditions: A Textbook of Rheumatology, 15th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1869–1910. Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams and Wilkins.