How Is It Used?
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.
Are There Possible
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.
Is It Safe?
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.
What About Interactions
With Other Drugs?
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).
What If I Miss A
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.
How Should It Be
Stored?
Store at room temperature away from sunlight
and moisture.
Anything Else I Should
Know?
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. |