Cyclobenzaprine Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Cyclobenzaprine Capsule (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride) is a prescription skeletal muscle relaxant used along with rest and physical therapy to relieve muscle spasm from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is chemically related to tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine. It is not effective for spasticity from cerebral or spinal cord disease, or in children with cerebral palsy.

What is Cyclobenzaprine Capsule

Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription skeletal muscle relaxant used along with rest and physical therapy to relieve muscle spasm from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is chemically related to tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and imipramine.

Cyclobenzaprine Capsule uses

• Relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions, used along with rest and physical therapy
• Not effective for spasticity from cerebral or spinal cord disease, or in children with cerebral palsy

Benefits of Cyclobenzaprine Capsule

• Helps relieve muscle spasm and its associated pain, tenderness, and limited movement
• Works without interfering with normal muscle function

How Cyclobenzaprine Capsule works

Cyclobenzaprine acts in the brain and central nervous system, mainly at the brain stem, to reduce muscle spasm signals rather than acting directly on the muscles or nerve-muscle connections. It is not effective for muscle spasm caused by central nervous system disease.

Cyclobenzaprine Capsule dosage

Take this medicine at approximately the same time each day. Swallow the extended-release capsule whole; do not chew the capsule or its contents. If you have trouble swallowing, the capsule contents may be sprinkled onto a tablespoon of applesauce and swallowed right away without chewing; do not substitute other foods for applesauce; rinse the mouth afterward to make sure all contents are swallowed; discard any unused mixture.

Do not use for longer than two to three weeks unless your doctor tells you to. If you miss a dose, talk to your doctor. Do not take extra or double doses to make up for a missed one.

Available forms and strengths

• Extended-release capsule (15 mg, 30 mg)
• Immediate-release tablet (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg)
• Sublingual tablet (2.8 mg)

Side effects of Cyclobenzaprine Capsule

Common

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Upset stomach/dyspepsia
• Drowsiness/somnolence

Serious

• Allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of face or tongue, itching)
• Irregular or fast heartbeats (arrhythmias, tachycardia)
• Serotonin syndrome (confusion, agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Seizures
• Chest pain

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine for longer than two to three weeks, since it has not been proven effective or fully evaluated for longer use. Do not take this medicine with, or within 14 days of stopping, a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, as this combination can cause dangerous fever, seizures, and death.
•  Do not use this medicine if you have an overactive thyroid, congestive heart failure, certain heart rhythm problems, or have recently had a heart attack. 
• This medicine can cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with certain antidepressants or other medicines that affect serotonin.
•  Use with caution if you have a history of urinary retention, angle-closure glaucoma, increased eye pressure, or if you take other medicines with anticholinergic effects.
• Safety in pregnant women has not been established. Available case report data have not identified a clear risk of major birth defects or miscarriage, but this medicine should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.
• It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or affects a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take this medicine.
• This medicine is not recommended for people with mild, moderate, or severe liver impairment because blood levels of the drug can build up much higher than normal.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, since it can add to drowsiness and slow your thinking and reactions.
• This medicine may impair your ability to safely drive or operate machinery, so avoid these activities until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Dispense and keep in a tight, light-resistant container
• Keep out of the reach of children

When to see a doctor

Get medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your face or tongue. Call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you notice an irregular or fast heartbeat, since this can be a sign of a serious heart problem. Seek emergency care if you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, fast heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, sweating, fever, muscle stiffness, or nausea and vomiting. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Amrix
• Flexeril
• Fexmid
• Tonmya