Flexerilflex

Cyclobenzaprine is the generic form of Flexeril, a prescription muscle relaxer that relieves pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.

It is also available under the brand names Amrix, Fexmid, and FusePaq Tabradol.

This medication is often part of an overall recovery plan that includes rest and physical therapy. Cyclobenzaprine is also prescribed off-label to treat fibromyalgia.

Cyclobenzaprine works on the central nervous system, blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent from sore muscles to your brain. Cyclobenzaprine is chemically related to a class of antidepressants called tricyclics.

Cyclobenzaprine was first approved by the Food and Drug administration in 1977 under the brand name Flexeril, which is currently manufactured by PD-RX Pharmaceuticals.

Cyclobenzaprine Warnings

Don't take cyclobenzaprine if you've taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last two weeks. MAOIs are used to treat depression and Parkinson's disease and include:

• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• Linezolid (Zyvox)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Rasagiline (Azilect)
• Selegiline (Emsam)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

The combination of an MAOI with cyclobenzaprine can produce very serious, potentially life-threatening side effects.

Do not take this drug if you have a history of heart problems, including a previous heart attack, heart rhythm problems, blockages, or congestive heart failure.

People who are 65 years and older should not take this drug because the side effects can be more extreme. There are other medications that can be used to treat your condition that are safer and more effective if you are in this age group.

Patients with hepatic impairment (liver failure) are generally more susceptible to drugs with potentially sedating effects like cyclobenzaprine.