Flexeril
Flexeril is a muscle relaxant most commonly
prescribed to relieve muscle spasms resulting from injuries such as
sprains, strains, or pulls. In conjunction with an overall health plan,
rest and physical therapy, Flexeril provides relief of muscular
stiffness and pain.
|
 |
Flexeril
Flexeril Uses:
This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain
and discomfort associated with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle
injuries.
How to take Flexeril:
Take exactly as prescribed by your physician. Flexeril may be taken with or
without food. Flexeril should be used only for short periods (no more than 3
weeks). Flexeril may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or
melting ice chips in your mouth can provide temporary relief.
Recommended Dosage:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, if
it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember
until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do
not take 2 doses at once.
Flexeril Side Effects:
Side effects cannot be anticipated. Only your doctor can determine if it is
safe for you to continue taking Flexeril. More common side effects may
include: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth Less common or rare side effects
may include: Abnormal heartbeats, abnormal sensations, abnormal thoughts or
dreams, aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, bloated feeling, blurred
vision, confusion, constipation, convulsions, decreased appetite, depressed
mood, diarrhea, difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty speaking,
disorientation, double vision, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fluid
retention, hallucinations, headache, heartburn, hepatitis, hives, increased
heart rate, indigestion, inflammation of the stomach, lack of coordination,
liver diseases, low blood pressure, nausea, nervousness, palpitations,
paranoia, rash, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, stomach and
intestinal pain, sweating, swelling of the tongue or face, thirst, tingling
in hands or feet, tremors, urinating more or less than usual, vertigo,
vomiting, weakness, yellow eyes and skin. Problems such as confusion or
hallucinations are more likely in older adults.
Flexeril Precautions:
Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than
prescribed. If you experience difficulty breathing or tightness of chest;
swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or develop a rash or hives, tell your
doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor
tells you to do so. Avoid alcohol while you are using this medicine. This
medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Do not
drive, operated machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until
you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with
other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to
perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you begin taking any new
medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist.
Flexeril Drug Interactions:
Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Flexeril. Serious, potentially fatal
reactions may occur if you take Flexeril with an antidepressant drug known
as an MAO inhibitor (such as Nardil, Parnate) or if it has been less than 2
weeks since you last took an MAO inhibitor. You should closely follow your
doctor's advice regarding discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before taking
Flexeril. If Flexeril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Flexeril with the following:
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital Guanethidine and other high blood
pressure drugs that slow the central nervous system, such as Halcion and
Xanax Tramadol (Ultram).
Flexeril Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy
skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness,
dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.
|