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Flexeril is a muscle relaxant prescribed in conjunction with physical therapy to reduce muscle spasm and pain. It is not a substitute for rest or therapy recommended by your doctor. Flexeril is not useful for pain that is not caused by sprains or strained muscles, though it is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of chronic muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Flexeril may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Individuals taking it are advised to be aware of their reaction to this medication and exercise caution when deciding whether they are alert enough to drive or perform any dangerous task. If you are drowsy or cannot see clearly, you are advised to wait until the effect has worn off.

Flexeril is only available by prescription.

Flexeril Side Effects

Common Flexeril Side Effects: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, lightheadedness.

Infrequent or Rare Side Effects: bad taste, bloating or gas, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, difficulty speaking, excitement, frequent urination, headache, muscle weakness, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the extremities, pounding heartbeat, shaking, stomach or intestinal cramps, thirst, tiredness, vague feeling of illness or discomfort, vertigo.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following rare side effects occurs: blurred or double vision, clumsiness, confusion, decreased coordination, depression, difficulty urinating, fainting, hepatitis, hives or itching (without other symptoms of allergic reaction), jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), low blood pressure, ringing in the ears, strange thoughts or dreams, unsteadiness, unusual changes in mood or thought, water retention.

Overdose: The following symptoms indicate an overdose, get mdical help immediately - difficulty breathing, extreme nervousness or restlessness, flushed skin, hallucination, racing or irregular heartbeat, seizure, shortness of breath, tiredness (extreme), unstable temperature, unusual muscle stiffness, vomiting (in combination with these other symptoms).

Cautions: Flexeril may not be suitable for all individuals. If you have had any of the following conditions in the past, or are being treated for them now, please inform your doctor. In some cases side effects may be minimized by following your doctor's advice, but you may be advised not to take Flexeril.

• Allergy: Any previous drug or food additive allergy should be discussed with your doctor. A previous allergic reaction to Flexeril, or a reaction while you are taking it, is a contraindication to further treatment with this medication. Get help immediately for the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Flexeril: change in color of the face, difficulty breathing, fast breathing, hives in or around mouth, hives or itching (in combination with these other symptoms), racing or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling around face or eyes, tight feeling in chest, wheezing.
• Blood vessel disease: You may be at an increased risk of side effects.
• Difficulty urinating: Flexeril may worsen this condition.
• Glaucoma: Flexeril may worsen this condition.
• Heart problems: If you have had a recent heart attack, congestive heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat, you should not take Flexeril.
• Overactive thyroid: Do not take Flexeril.

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Consult your doctor if you now take any of these medications, or if they are prescribed to you during treatment with Flexeril. Some of these medications should not be combined at all, with others your doctor may adjust your dosage or your medication schedule in order to prevent side effects. Flexeril is a central nervous system depressant, and should be used carefully in combination with any medication or supplement that may cause drowsiness.

• Alcohol - Do not use alcohol while you are taking Flexeril.
• Antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Tavist may increase the risk of oversedation.
• Antiseizure medication like Cerebyx (fosphenytoin), Dilantin (phenytoin), or Tegretol (carbamazepine) may leave you oversedated in combination with Flexeril.
• Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, and muscle relaxants) such as Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Librium(chlordiazepoxide), Xanax (alprazolam), Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Paxipam (halazepam), ProSom (estazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and others, should be used cautiously with Flexeril.
• Central Nervous System Depressants - Any prescription medication, over the counter medication, or herbal supplement that may cause drowsiness. These medications should be used with caution while taking Flexeril as you may become oversedated. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to be sure that your treatment is as safe as possible.
• Desyrel (trazodone) - Risk of additive CNS depression.
• High blood pressure medication such as Ismelin (guanethidine) or Tenex (guanfacine) may interact with this medication.
• MAO inhibitors - Flexeril must never be mixed with MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, a class of antidepressants and antisenility drugs, such as Eldepryl (selegiline), Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), or Parnate (tranylcypromine). Never use Flexeril within 2 weeks of stopping an MAO inhibitor. A drug interaction in this case could be serious or even fatal. Patients over 65 should allow a longer wait period between using Flexeril and an MAO, as medications may stay in their system longer than in other patients.
• Narcotic pain medication like Codeine, Demerol (meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene), Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine, OxyContin (oxycodone), Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen), Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine), Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen), or Vicoprofen (hydrocodone and ibuprofen) may increase the central nervous system depressant effects of Flexeril.
• Norflex (orphenadrine) - Risk of oversedation.
• Sedatives like Butalbital, Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal, Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates may cause oversedation in combination with Flexeril.
• Skeletal muscle relaxants of any other type, such as Soma (carisoprodol) or Robaxin (methocarbamol) may overly depress the central nervous system when combined.
• Sleep medication like Ambien (zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon), or over the counter sleeping pills may cause oversedation when combined with muscle relaxants.
• Tranquilizers like Haldol (haloperidol), Mellaril (thioridazine), or Thorazine (chlorpromazine) could cause oversedation when mixed with Flexeril.
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine), Pertofrane or Norpramin (desipramine), Sinequan (doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Aventyl or Pamelor (nortriptyline), Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine), may increase the central nervous system suppressant effects from either the antidepressant, or the Flexeril.
• Ultram (Tramadol) - This pain reliever may oversedate you if taken in combination with Flexeril.

Flexeril Dosages

Flexeril comes in 10 mg tablets, and the normal dose in adults is one 10 mg tablet three times daily. You should not exceed a total dosage of 60 mg of Flexeril per day.

Flexeril Directions

Flexeril may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. If you are taking this medication for a muscle injury, it should not generally be taken for more than 3 weeks, as the injuries should have improved in that time. If you are taking Flexeril on an ongoing basis for fibromyalgia, never take this medicine more often, or in larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Be cautious about mixing Flexeril with other medications you may take for your condition. You may want to consult your doctor about creating a dosage schedule to avoid combining medications that may increase each other's side effects.

If you miss a dose of Flexeril, take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until it's time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take double doses of Flexeril, as this increases the risk of side effects, including overdose.

Flexeril may cause drowsiness, or decrease your alertness. Do not drive or perform dangerous tasks if you feel sedated. Become familiar with your reactions to Flexeril to be certain you are fully alert before engaging in these activities.

Inform your doctor, dentist, or anesthesiologist that you are taking Flexeril before any kind of surgery or medical test. You may be asked to avoid this medication before the procedure. Flexeril should not be combined with certain medications given during surgery.

Store Flexeril away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.

Keep Flexeril away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.

Flexeril may cause drowsiness or disorientation. Be cautious if you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery, avoid these activities if you find yourself feeling tired or experience slowed reactions.

Flexeril and Pregnancy

Flexeril has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Flexeril and Children

Flexeril has not been studied for use in children under the age of 15. Dosage for teenagers must be determined by their physician.

Flexeril and Seniors

Flexeril has not been separately studied in older adults. There is no indication that they react very differently to Flexeril treatment, but they may be more likely to experience side effects like confusion or hallucination.

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Flexeril is a trademark of Merck Pharmaceuticals

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The information contained in this document is provided for educational purposes and information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician or Health professional, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor, physician or Health professional can say if a medication, a drug alternative or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.