Cyclobenzaprine for acute muscle pain

About cyclobenzaprine

A short-term (acute) injury to the muscles, or the tissues which connect them, is usually the result of overstretching during sport or physical exercise. The most common injuries are strains and sprains which result in pain, swelling and restricted movement.

A strain refers to a painful condition brought about by inflammation, overuse (or using in an unbalanced way), and overstretching or tearing of muscles, tendons or joints.

A sprain is an injury to the band (ligament) which connects two or more bones to a joint. A sprain is usually caused by the joint being forced suddenly outside its usual range of movement.

Cyclobenzaprine (not available in the UK and Europe) helps relieve the pain of muscle spasms caused by these types of injury. It works by relaxing the muscles, which reduces pain and discomfort and makes movement easier. Cyclobenzaprine is used in addition to rest and physiotherapy to help you recover from the injury.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking cyclobenzaprine it is important that your physician or pharmacist knows:

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• If you have had a heart attack or you have any other heart problems.

• If you have epilepsy or have ever had a fit (seizure).

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• If you have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

• If you have a condition which makes it difficult for you to pass urine (urinary retention).

• If you have raised pressure in your eye (glaucoma).

• If you are taking, or have recently stopped taking, a type of antidepressant medicine known as a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

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• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about cyclobenzaprine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take cyclobenzaprine exactly as your physician tells you to. Your dose will be on the label of the pack to remind you. The tablets are available in three different strengths: 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg. The usual dose is one 5 mg tablet taken three times daily. Extended-release capsules are available in two strengths: 15 mg and 30 mg. The usual dose is one 15 mg capsule taken once daily with food.

• Your physician may decide to increase your dose depending on how well you respond to the medicine.

• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Amrix® extended release capsules should be swallowed whole or can be opened and the contents sprinkled on to a spoonful of apple sauce. This should then be swallowed immediately without chewing. Rinse the mouth with water afterwards and safely dispose of the empty capsule.

• Try to take your doses at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take them. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Following a sprain or strain the usual advice is to pay the PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) and avoid HARM (Heat, Alcohol, Running, and Massage) for the first 48-72 hours after injury.

• You should not play sport or do any vigorous exercise involving the damaged part while you are taking cyclobenzaprine.

• Try to keep any appointments with your physician or physiotherapist. This is so they can check on your progress.

• Cyclobenzaprine may cause drowsiness. It may also increase the time it takes for you to react, so it can impair your judgement. If this happens do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

• It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol while you are taking cyclobenzaprine. This is because it increases the chance that you will experience side-effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy.

• With proper rest and care most sprains and strains heal within a few weeks. You should not need to continue taking cyclobenzaprine for longer than three weeks. If your injury is still causing pain after this time, make an appointment to see your physician or speak with a pharmacist.

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Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with cyclobenzaprine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your physician or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Cyclobenzaprine can affect the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. On rare occasions, medicines that raise the level of serotonin can cause it to go too high and cause problems. The risk is higher if you are taking more than one medicine with this effect. Other examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medicines and opioid painkillers such as tramadol and morphine. Seek medical attention if you develop a combination of the following:

• Stiff muscles or 'jerky' movements.

• Unusually fast heartbeat.

• High temperature (fever), nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

• Feeling delirious or seeing visions (hallucinating).

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your physician or pharmacist.

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