Flexeril
(cyclobenzaprine)
Relaxes your muscles.
Our bottom line
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is widely used to treat muscle spasms and is available as a generic, but it shouldn't be used long-term.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cyclobenzaprine)
Upsides
- Can relieve pain associated with muscle spasms.
- Available as a generic medication.
- Can be used by pregnant women, but talk to your doctor about it first.
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What to expect from Flexeril, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
1064Downsides
- Can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Not meant for long-term therapy.
- Not recommended in elderly patients, people with glaucoma, or in people with heart conditions (like rhythm problems, heart failure, or recent heart attack).
- Can make you have dry mouth.
- Not effective for muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries.
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What to expect from Flexeril, on one page
Download Fact SheetFlexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a muscle relaxer. It works in the brain to help calm down muscle spasms without interfering with normal muscle function.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cyclobenzaprine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$291.13
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$292.37
What to expect when you take Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) for Muscle relaxant
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Headache
Side effect rates for Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
- Dry mouth6%6%2%2%
- Dizziness3%3%2%2%
- Fatigue3%3%2%2%
- Nausea3%3%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Flexeril.
People taking Flexeril felt side effect more
People taking Flexeril felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
- › Taking other medications for your mood
Taking Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) along with other medications used for your mood can make you more likely to have a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors should not be used with Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), and need to be stopped at least 14 days before starting Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine). Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, hallucinations, tremors, seizure, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Go to the emergency room or talk to your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking including prescription, over the counter, and supplements to make sure there are no interactions.
Common concerns from people taking Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Can relieve pain associated with muscle spasms.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Flexerilon 8/19/2017I felt like it would relax my muscles too much thus making my body feel very weak and in more pain. I switched to tizanidine 2mg and feel much better. The doctors say that you have to use the muscle relaxer with the opiate. But also if there's pain usually there's immflamation.36WomanTwo years or moreFibromyalgia
- Taking Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) may make you feel dizzy or sleepy for the first few days. Avoid driving or other activities requiring concentration until you know how your body responds to the medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these symptoms bother you.
- Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) can make you feel very tired or sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed cyclobenzaprineon 10/22/2017Take at night when you first start taking it, may make you drowsy. I took cyclobenzaprine which is the generic version for Flexeril, both made me feel the same way.26WomanJust as neededMuscle spasm
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Flexerilon 7/27/2017Take it at night 30min before you go to sleep25WomanJust as neededMuscle spasm
- Not sureLow hassleReviewed Flexeril5mg dosages are similar in effectiveness and don't cause as much drowsiness or dry mouth. While only the dry mouth was an issue for me after the first week it would have been nice to know that I could have started at a lower dose.29Woman
- Not sureLow hassleReviewed Flexerilcaused dry mouth and weight gain58Woman