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What Is It
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms. Cyclobenzaprine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It relieves muscle spasms of local origin but is not effective in spasms which originat
e from diseases in the brain or spinal cord.
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Drug Interactions
When you are taking cyclobenzaprine, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Alcohol or
- Central nervous system (C
NS) depressants (medicines that cause drowsiness) or
- Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], amoxapine [e.g., Asendin], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Perto
frane], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine [e.g., Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil], trimipramine [e.g., Surmontil])¡XThe chance of side effects may be increas
d
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What side effects may occur?
Although side effects from cyclobenzaprine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- dizzin
ess
- upset stomach
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
-
- severe skin rash
- swelling of the face or tongue
- difficulty
breathing or swallowing
- irregular heart rate
- chest pain
- fever
- seizures
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Other medical problems
Before taking cyclobenzaprine,
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cyclobenzaprine, call your doctor im
mediately.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to th
e drowsiness caused by this drug.
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Special warnings about this medication
Cyclobenzaprine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel d
ry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infection
s.
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How to Use
Cyclobenzaprine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day. Do not take this drug for more than 3 weeks without talking to your doctor. Follow the directions on yo
ur prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cyclobenzaprine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more o
ften than prescribed by your doctor.
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