$Unique_ID{BRK01912}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CYCLOBENZAPRINE}
$Subject{cyclobenzaprine (various manufacturers)
Flexeril (Merck Sharp & Dohme)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Flexeril*0191201.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CYCLOBENZAPRINE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     cyclobenzaprine (various manufacturers)
     Flexeril (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Muscle relaxant
INGREDIENT:
     cyclobenzaprine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (10 mg)
STORAGE:
     Cyclobenzaprine tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed container.

USES

     Cyclobenzaprine is prescribed to relieve muscle pain and stiffness caused
by injuries such as sprains or strains.  It is not clear how this drug works,
but it is thought to act as a central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
depressant that blocks reflexes involved in producing and maintaining muscle
spasms.  It does not act directly on tense muscles.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take cyclobenzaprine with
food or with a full glass of water or milk.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within an hour, take
the missed dose; then return to your regular dosing schedule.  If more than an
hour has passed, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your
dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, black tongue, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea,
dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, indigestion, insomnia, loss of
appetite, muscle pain, nausea, nervousness, sweating, unpleasant taste in the
mouth, vomiting, or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and drink more
water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum, or suck on ice chips or
hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
confusion, depression, difficulty in urinating, disorientation,
hallucinations, headache, itching, numbness in the fingers or toes,
palpitations, rash, swelling of the face or tongue, tremors, or yellowing of
your skin or eyes.

INTERACTIONS

     Cyclobenzaprine interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Concurrent use of cyclobenzaprine with other central nervous system
depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, antianxiety
medications, narcotics, pain medications, tranquilizers, and sleeping
medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Cyclobenzaprine can block the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
clonidine and guanethidine.
     3. Use of this drug within 14 days of a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
(tranylcypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, pargyline) can lead to severe
reactions and high blood pressure.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
medications, especially to cyclobenzaprine or to tricyclic antidepressants
(such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine,
nortriptyline, protriptyline, and trimipramine).
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had blood clots, epilepsy, heart
disease, a heart attack, narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid disease, or urinary
retention.
     * Use of cyclobenzaprine for periods longer than two to three weeks is
not recommended because there is no evidence of benefit with prolonged use and
because muscle spasm caused by sprain or strain is generally of short
duration.
     * This medication should not be taken as a substitute for rest, physical
therapy, or other measures recommended by your doctor to treat your condition.
     * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy or blurs your vision, do
not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car
or operating potentially dangerous equipment.
     * If you have been taking large doses of this medication for prolonged
periods, you may experience nausea, headache, or fatigue when you stop taking
it, until your body adjusts to the absence of the drug.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although
cyclobenzaprine appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in
humans have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether cyclobenzaprine passes into
breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
