Flexeril
® (
cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride) is a prescription muscle relaxant. It is meant to be used temporarily to treat muscle spasms due to injury or other muscle problems.
Brand-name Flexeril is made by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals.
Generic Flexeril is made by several different manufacturers.
It is not clear as to how exactly Flexeril works to relieve muscle spasms. However, it is known that it mostly works in the brain stem, not in the spinal cord and not directly on the muscles. The medication only works to relieve muscle spasms caused by problems in the muscles; it does not help with muscle spasms caused by problems in the brain or spinal cord.
When and How to Take Flexeril
Some general considerations for when and how to take this drug include the following:
- The medication comes in the form of a tablet. It is usually taken three times daily (although a less frequent dose may be recommended for elderly people or for people who have liver problems).
- In general, it should only be used for two or three weeks at a time.
- You can take it with or without food. If the medicine bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Flexeril can cause significant drowsiness. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you take it only at night, especially if you need to be alert during the day.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
HealthSavvy Sign In
|
