Health Library

Cyclobenzaprine (By mouth)

Cyclobenzaprine (sye-kloe-BEN-za-preen)

Treats pain and stiffness caused by muscle spasms.

Brand Name(s):

Amrix, CycloTENS Refill Pak, CycloTENS Starter Pak, Fexmid, FusePaq Tabradol, RapidPaq Tabradol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine at the same time each day.
• Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over one tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Rinse the mouth to make sure all of the medicine have been swallowed. Do not save any of the mixture to use later.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days of each other.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Bupropion, guanethidine, meperidine, tramadol, verapamil
  • Medicine to treat depression (including amitriptyline, imipramine)
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver problems, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, a recent heart attack, overactive thyroid, or a history of glaucoma or trouble urinating.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serotonin syndrome, when taken with certain medicines
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or doing anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Severe drowsiness, fainting, or confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024