Flexeril Signs, Symptoms, & Side Effects

Flexeril Side Effects

Flexeril is a prescription brand-name drug. The generic name of Flexeril is cyclobenzaprine. Flexeril is a muscle relaxer. It is typically prescribed to treat skeletal muscle spasms and acute musculoskeletal disorders and conditions. Treating fibromyalgia is an off-label use of Flexeril. Flexeril works only for the first two weeks or so after a person starts using it. After two weeks, the pain-relieving effects of the medicine subside.

For that reason, Flexeril is only intended as a short-term medication since the effects of Flexeril are believed to peak after only a few days. Flexeril side effects are generally mild but they can be severe in elderly patients. Flexeril should be used along with physical therapy and with rest when it’s given to treat spasms, sprains and muscle injuries. Common side effects of Flexeril include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Dry mouth

Some of the less common side effects of Flexeril may include skin rash, swelling of the tongue or face, and problems breathing or swallowing. Other severe side effects can include chest pain, fever, seizures and an irregular heart rate. Reported Flexeril side effects have also included arrhythmias and sinus tachycardia. It’s important that if someone experiences these severe side effects they seek medical care immediately. If someone combines Flexeril with another central nervous system depressant the side effects may be more pronounced. For example, combining Flexeril with alcohol or benzodiazepines could cause psychoactive side effects, such as euphoria or relaxation.

Flexeril Dosage Information

Flexeril works by increasing the release of a brain chemical called norepinephrine. It’s available as a tablet, and there is another brand name version of cyclobenzaprine called Amrix as well. Amrix is an extended-release variation of the drug. Flexeril dosages include 5, 7.5 and 10 mg tablets. The typical starting dose recommended for most patients is 5 mg, taken three times a day. The maximum recommended dosage is 10 mg, taken three times a day. Flexeril 10 mg and other dosages usually aren’t prescribed for any longer than ten days. Flexeril 10 mg side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness, are the same as those of other dosages. Flexeril 10 mg side effects can also include dependence. When someone is dependent upon Flexeril, they may have mild withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using the drug.

How Long Do Flexeril Side Effects Last?

The side effects of Flexeril may last as long as someone uses the drug, but since it’s intended as a short-term treatment that shouldn’t be for more than two weeks. For most people, the side effects of Flexeril do not interfere with their daily life. However, if someone abuses Flexeril by taking higher doses than prescribed or if they mix it with other substances, such as central nervous system depressants, the side effects may last longer. Taking Flexeril for longer than a couple of weeks also increases the likelihood of dependence and withdrawal symptoms can be more pronounced and severe.

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