Flexeril is a muscle relaxant most commonly prescribed to relieve muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as sprains, strains, or pulls. In conjunction with an overall health plan, rest and physical therapy, Flexeril provides relief of muscular stiffness and pain.
Flexeril Directions?
Take exactly as prescribed by your physician. Flexeril may be taken with or without food. Flexeril should be used only for short periods (no more than 3 weeks). Flexeril may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or melting ice chips in your mouth can provide temporary relief.
Flexeril Side Effects?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Flexeril. More common side effects may include: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth Less common or rare side effects may include: Abnormal heartbeats, abnormal sensations, abnormal thoughts or dreams, aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, bloated feeling, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, convulsions, decreased appetite, depressed mood, diarrhea, difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty speaking, disorientation, double vision, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, hallucinations, headache, heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased heart rate, indigestion, inflammation of the stomach, lack of coordination, liver diseases, low blood pressure, nausea, nervousness, palpitations, paranoia, rash, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, stomach and intestinal pain, sweating, swelling of the tongue or face, thirst, tingling in hands or feet, tremors, urinating more or less than usual, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin. Problems such as confusion or hallucinations are more likely in older adults.
Flexeril Warnings?
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if Flexeril appears in breast milk. However, Flexeril is related to tricyclic antidepressants, and some of those drugs do appear in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is completed.
Flexeril Drug Interactions?
Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Flexeril. Serious, potentially fatal reactions may occur if you take Flexeril with an antidepressant drug known as an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil, Parnate) or if it has been less than 2 weeks since you last took an MAO inhibitor. You should closely follow your doctor's advice regarding discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before taking Flexeril. If Flexeril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flexeril with the following: Barbiturates such as phenobarbital Guanethidine and other high blood pressure drugs that slow the central nervous system, such as Halcion and Xanax Tramadol (Ultram).
Flexeril Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Flexeril Storage?
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Anything Else I Should Know About Flexeril?
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Flexeril is used to relieve pain, tenderness, and limitation of motion caused by muscle spasms. It is used, along with rest and physical therapy, for short-term treatment (i.e., 2 to 3 weeks).
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.
