Amrix
® (
cyclobenzaprine ER) is a long-acting prescription muscle relaxant. It is meant to be used temporarily to treat muscle spasms due to injury or other muscle problems. Unlike other muscle relaxants, it is taken just once a day.
Amrix is made by Eurand, Inc., and is marketed and distributed by Cephalon, Inc.
Amrix works mostly in the brain stem, not in the spinal cord and not directly on the muscles. The medication works only to relieve muscle spasms caused by problems in the muscle; it does not help with muscle spasms caused by problems in the brain or spinal cord.
Amrix comes in an extended-release capsule that prolongs the effects of the medication, much longer than regular short-acting
cyclobenzaprine capsules (
Flexeril®).
When and How to Take Amrix
Some general considerations include the following:
- Amrix comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
- You can take the medication any time of the day, but it is best to take it consistently at the same time each day. Taking Amrix in the evening may help reduce daytime drowsiness.
- In general, Amrix should only be used for two to three weeks at a time.
- You can take the medication with food or on an empty stomach. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Be sure to swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, crush, or chew the capsules.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
