Cyclobenzaprine Dosages For Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxer medication. Along with rest and physical therapy, it can be used to treat pain or discomfort from muscle spasms — but only in the short term (up to 3 weeks). It’s also used off-label for conditions such as back pain and fibromyalgia.

If you have a prescription for cyclobenzaprine, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for how to take it. Taking the correct cyclobenzaprine dosage will help treat your muscle-related symptoms, while also minimizing the possibility of side effects from the medication.

Good to know: Cyclobenzaprine isn’t approved for use in children. So we won’t discuss dosages for kids in this article.

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What’s the typical cyclobenzaprine dosage for adults?

The typical cyclobenzaprine dosage for muscle pain and spasms depends on which dosage form you’re taking. Cyclobenzaprine is available in two oral forms: immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (ER) capsules.

The IR form is available as generic 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg tablets. The ER form is available as generic and brand-name (Amrix) 15 mg and 30 mg capsules.

Cyclobenzaprine ER capsules last longer in the body than the IR tablets. So the capsules are typically dosed once a day, while the IR tablets are usually taken 3 times a day.

Cyclobenzaprine IR tablets

The typical cyclobenzaprine dosage is 5 mg three times a day. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose up to 10 mg three times a day if you’re still having muscle pain and spasms.

Cyclobenzaprine ER capsules

The usual cyclobenzaprine capsule dosage is 15 mg by mouth once daily. Depending on how this dose works for you, your healthcare provider may increase your dose to 30 mg once a day. Try to take your dose around the same time every day. This ensures you have a consistent level of cyclobenzaprine in your body at all times.

You should swallow cyclobenzaprine capsules whole, without chewing or crushing them. But if you have trouble swallowing pills, you can open the capsule and pour the contents onto a tablespoon of applesauce. Consume the applesauce right away without chewing. Drinking water afterwards will help rinse your mouth and make sure your full dose is swallowed.

Good to know: Drowsiness is a common cyclobenzaprine side effect. But the ER capsules may cause less drowsiness than the IR tablets. So if you’re feeling tired after taking cyclobenzaprine IR tablets, let your healthcare provider know. They may consider switching you to the ER formulation.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

Yes. If you have liver problems or you’re over 65, you may need less frequent doses, or to avoid cyclobenzaprine altogether. It’s also possible you may need a dosage adjustment due to another medication you’re taking. Side effects may be worse if you take other medications that interact with cyclobenzaprine. Ask your provider or pharmacist to check for interactions before starting treatment. 

Dosage for people with liver problems

Cyclobenzaprine is broken down (metabolized) by the liver. If your liver isn’t working normally, cyclobenzaprine can build up in your body. This can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and headaches.

If you have liver damage, you may need a lower dose of cyclobenzaprine. Or you may need to avoid it altogether. So make sure your healthcare provider is aware of your medical history before starting cyclobenzaprine.

Good to know: Cyclobenzaprine capsules can’t be split. So reducing your dose for liver damage isn’t possible with them. This is why it’s best to avoid the capsules completely if you have any degree of liver damage.

Dosage for people age 65 or older

As you age, medications are more likely to build up in your body. This is often due to your kidneys and/or liver working less efficiently than they used to.

If you’re 65 or older, your healthcare provider may start your dose at one 5 mg tablet daily. From there, they may increase your dose as needed with close monitoring. But cyclobenzaprine ER capsules should be avoided altogether. Their doses are too high for older adults, and dividing the capsules isn't possible.

Keep in mind: If you’re over 65, it may be best to avoid cyclobenzaprine completely. Many muscle relaxers are on the Beers List, a list published by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). The AGS Beers List discusses medications, including cyclobenzaprine, that are considered more risky for older adults. Talk to your healthcare provider about other muscle relaxer options that might be safer if you’re having muscle spasms.

What if you miss a dose of cyclobenzaprine?

If you forget to take a dose of cyclobenzaprine, you probably won't experience significant problems. You can take your dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. 

In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose at your usual time. Don’t try to make up for a missed dose by taking two doses at once. This increases your risk of cyclobenzaprine side effects.

What should you do if you take too much cyclobenzaprine?

If you accidentally take an extra dose of cyclobenzaprine, you’re more likely to experience side effects. These are likely to be mild, such as drowsiness, headache, and dry mouth.

Serious side effects are more likely with large amounts of cyclobenzaprine. This includes an irregular heartbeat, confusion, or low blood pressure. Heart attacks, seizures, and hallucinations are also possible.

If you or someone you know takes a large amount of cyclobenzaprine, get emergency medical help right away. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How to save on cyclobenzaprine

With GoodRx discounts, you could save up to 60% off the average retail price of generic cyclobenzaprine IR tablets. It may cost you as little as $6.43 with a free GoodRx discount.

Additionally, you may be able to save up to 90% off of generic cyclobenzaprine ER capsules, costing you as little as $49.84.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

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