Which Muscle Relaxers Are Best for Neck and Back Pain?
Muscle relaxers are medications that help your muscles unwind, relieving muscle stiffness and pain. Learn the names of common muscle relaxers and how they work.
cyclobenzaprine
Used for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Used for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that helps relieve muscle pain and discomfort. It's often used short term with rest and physical therapy. Immediate-release tablets are for people 15 years and older and are taken a few times a day. Once sold under the brand name Flexeril, the tablets now as a generic and brand name Fexmid. Extended-release capsules are for adults only and are taken once a day. The capsules comes as a generic and brand name Amrix. Cyclobenzaprine can make you sleepy and have dry mouth as side effects.
What is Cyclobenzaprine?
What is Cyclobenzaprine used for?
- Muscle discomfort from short-term muscle or bone injury problems
How Cyclobenzaprine works
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. It's thought to act in the brainstem and spinal cord to relieve muscle spasms, pain, and tenderness.
When does Cyclobenzaprine start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Amrix, Fexmid |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Muscle relaxant |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Cyclobenzaprine essentials
Side effects of Cyclobenzaprine
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Less Common Side Effects
Immediate-release tablets:
- Feeling tired
- Headache
Extended-release capsules:
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Feeling tired
- Drowsiness
Cyclobenzaprine serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, fever, shakiness, muscle stiffness, muscle twitching, confusion, hallucinations, coma
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rhythm
When do Cyclobenzaprine possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Feeling tired
More on Cyclobenzaprine side effects
The following Cyclobenzaprine side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Clumsiness or unsteadiness
confusion
fainting
mental depression
problems in urinating
ringing or buzzing in the ears
skin rash, hives, or itching occurring without other symptoms of an allergic reaction listed above
unusual thoughts or dreams
yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Convulsions (seizures)
drowsiness (severe)
dry, hot, flushed skin
fast or irregular heartbeat
hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
increase or decrease in body temperature
troubled breathing
unexplained muscle stiffness
unusual nervousness or restlessness (severe)
vomiting (occurring together with other symptoms of overdose)
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Blurred vision
dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness
dryness of the mouth
Less common or rare
Bloated feeling or gas, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, or stomach cramps or pain
excitement or nervousness
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
muscle twitching
numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet
pounding heartbeat
problems in speaking
trembling
trouble sleeping
unpleasant taste or other taste changes
unusual muscle weakness
unusual tiredness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$34.99
GoodRx discount
$8.06
Pros and cons of Cyclobenzaprine
Pros
- Can take with or without food
- Available as short-acting and long-acting forms for flexible dosing schedules
- Can help with recovery from acute painful muscle problems in a few days
Cons
- Only meant for short-term use (up to 2 to 3 weeks at a time)
- Might not be a safe option for older adults
- Not known to work well for nerve pain or muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries
Pharmacist tips for Cyclobenzaprine
- You can take cyclobenzaprine with or without food. Once you decide, it's best to try to stick to that routine. Also it's recommended to take the medication at around the same time(s) each day. This helps the medication levels in your body stay consistent.
- For the cyclobenzaprine IR tablets: Take the tablets up to 3 times a day. Each tablet should help with symptoms for about 4 to 6 hours.
- For the cyclobenzaprine ER capsules: Take the capsules once a day. The extended-release form should keep working throughout the day. Swallow the capsule whole. If you have trouble swallowing, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents inside onto a tablespoon of applesauce. Then, swallow the applesauce-medication mixture right away without chewing. After, rinse your mouth with water and swallow to make sure you've taken the full dose.
- You should take cyclobenzaprine for only short periods of time (up to 2 to 3 weeks at a time). There isn't enough information to know if taking it longer than that adds benefit. If you still have a lot of muscle discomfort after 3 weeks of taking cyclobenzaprine, talk to a healthcare professional. There might be a better treatment option for you.
- A common side effect of cyclobenzaprine is dry mouth. To help, you can try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on ice. There are also some saliva substitutes you can buy at your local pharmacy that can help. If dry mouth bothers you too much, talk to your care team.
- Cyclobenzaprine can make you drowsy or dizzy. It might also make it harder for you to focus and concentrate. To be safe, avoid driving or doing anything that needs your full attention until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't drink alcohol while taking cyclobenzaprine. Mixing alcohol with this medication can make dizziness and drowsiness worse. It can also make you feel off balance. This can make some things like driving dangerous. Talk to your prescriber about your drinking habits and how to take cyclobenzaprine in a safe way.
- Be careful when taking cyclobenzaprine with anticholinergic medications. Taking them together can cause more side effects, like dry mouth or trouble urinating. Some examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), and scopolamine (Transderm Scop).
- Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take or plan to take. Cyclobenzaprine can interact with many medications and raise the risk of side effects, which can be dangerous. This includes medications that make you tired, like opioids or benzodiazepines. Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together.
- If you need more pain relief while taking cyclobenzaprine, ask a healthcare professional. They can see if any over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), are okay for you to try. These might not be safe for everyone, so it's a good idea to check with a healthcare professional.
- If you're pregnant, planning to be, or breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber. There isn't too much information to know for sure if cyclobenzaprine is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Your prescriber can weigh the risks and benefits with you. They can help you choose a treatment option that's safe for you and your baby.
Risks and warnings for Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serotonin syndrome
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that can affect the serotonin levels in your brain
It's rare, but some people have had a serious and potentially life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome when taking cyclobenzaprine with some other medications. These medications can raise serotonin levels in the brain. Examples include some antidepressants and opioid pain medications. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take and plan to take. They can check your risk of serotonin syndrome.
Be aware of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. They can include a fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness, muscle spams, fever, or confusion. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your prescriber or get medical help right away.
Effect on driving and concentration
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause drowsiness | Over 65 years old
Cyclobenzaprine can make you feel sleepy. It can also make it hard to concentrate and focus. These side effects are more likely to happen if you're over 65 years old. The risk is also higher if you take other medications that cause drowsiness.
Avoid driving, using machines, or doing other things that need your focus until you know how cyclobenzaprine affects you. Also don't drink alcohol while taking this medication since it can make these side effects worse. If the side effects are bothersome or make daily tasks hard, talk to your prescriber.
Caution use in people with glaucoma or trouble urinating
- Risk factors: History of glaucoma or high eye pressure | History of trouble urinating
Before starting cyclobenzaprine, talk to your prescriber if you have glaucoma, high eye pressure, or trouble urinating. Because of the way it works, the medication might make these problems worse. Your prescriber can help decide if cyclobenzaprine is safe for you. If you take it, they might want to check in with you more often to watch for problems.
Caution use in people with liver problems
If you have any liver problems, let your prescriber know so they can check that cyclobenzaprine is safe for you. This medication gets processed in the body by the liver. If your liver doesn't work well, the medication can stay in your body longer. This can cause it to build up in the body and raise your risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
Cyclobenzaprine dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Cyclobenzaprine is $8.06 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 76.96% off the average retail price of $34.99. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $10.04 | $0.33 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $8.06 | $0.27 |
| 7.5mg | 30 tablets | $15.12 | $0.50 |
Typical dosage for Cyclobenzaprine
- Immediate-release tablets
- Adults and children ages 15 years and older: The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth three times a day. Your prescriber might raise the dose to up to 10 mg three times a day based on how well the medication is working for you.
- Extended-release capsules
- Adults: The typical dose is 15 mg by mouth once a day. Your prescriber might raise the dose to 30 mg once a day based on how well the medication is working for you.
Your dose might differ if you're older than 65 years old or if you have liver problems.
Note: Taking cyclobenzaprine for longer than 2 to 3 weeks isn't recommended.
More on Cyclobenzaprine dosage
Cyclobenzaprine reviews
GoodRx has partnered with to provide reviews on the different aspects of Cyclobenzaprine.
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Cyclobenzaprine based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 556 people taking this medication
2.9
Effectiveness by condition:
fibromyalgia488 reviews
3.1
myofascial pain syndrome34 reviews
3.1
sciatic neuralgia17 reviews
3.0
cervical spondylosis11 reviews
2.6
restless legs syndrome6 reviews
2.7
Side effects
Learn more about the side effects others have reported while taking Cyclobenzaprine.
Severity of side effects
Based on 1296 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Based on 1296 people taking this medication
Drowsiness
12%
Sleepiness
6%
Dry mouth
5%
Hangover effect
3%
Fatigue
3%
Usage
Review why people stop taking this medication and how long they take it.
Reasons people stopped taking Cyclobenzaprine
Based on 1193 people who have taken this medication
Did not seem to work
34%
Doctor's advice
20%
Other
18%
Side effects too severe
14%
Course of treatment ended
9%
Change in health plan coverage
3%
Expense
3%
Personal research
3%
How long people take Cyclobenzaprine
Based on 2829 people who have taken this medication
0%
50%
100%
Powered by:
Interactions between Cyclobenzaprine and other drugs
Cyclobenzaprine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cyclobenzaprine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Cyclobenzaprine interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bepridil
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Levomethadyl
- Linezolid
- Mesoridazine
- Methylene Blue
- Moclobemide
- Pargyline
- Phenelzine
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Saquinavir
- Selegiline
- Sparfloxacin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Tranylcypromine
- Ziprasidone
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Alfentanil
- Almotriptan
- Alprazolam
- Amineptine
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amphetamine
- Anagrelide
- Apomorphine
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Artemether
- Asenapine
- Balofloxacin
- Bedaquiline
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzphetamine
- Besifloxacin
- Bromazepam
- Buprenorphine
- Buserelin
- Butriptyline
- Calcium Oxybate
- Cannabidiol
- Ceritinib
- Cetirizine
- Chloroquine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clobazam
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Clozapine
- Codeine
- Crizotinib
- Dabrafenib
- Dasatinib
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Dibenzepin
- Dihydrocodeine
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Doxylamine
- Droperidol
- Duloxetine
- Efavirenz
- Encorafenib
- Enoxacin
- Entrectinib
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Esketamine
- Fenfluramine
- Fentanyl
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Flibanserin
- Fluconazole
- Flumequine
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Formoterol
- Foscarnet
- Fostemsavir
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Glasdegib
- Glucagon
- Glycopyrrolate
- Glycopyrronium Tosylate
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- Halofantrine
- Histrelin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxytryptophan
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibutilide
- Iloperidone
- Imipramine
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Iprindole
- Ivabradine
- Ivosidenib
- Ketamine
- Ketoconazole
- Lapatinib
- Lasmiditan
- Lefamulin
- Lemborexant
- Lenvatinib
- Levocetirizine
- Levofloxacin
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lofexidine
- Lomefloxacin
- Lorcaserin
- Loxapine
- Lumefantrine
- Macimorelin
- Magnesium Oxybate
- Melitracen
- Meperidine
- Metaxalone
- Methacholine
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Metoclopramide
- Metronidazole
- Midazolam
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Moxifloxacin
- Nadifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Nefazodone
- Nilotinib
- Norfloxacin
- Nortriptyline
- Ofloxacin
- Ondansetron
- Opipramol
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Ozanimod
- Paliperidone
- Palonosetron
- Panobinostat
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Periciazine
- Pimavanserin
- Pitolisant
- Pixantrone
- Ponesimod
- Posaconazole
- Potassium Oxybate
- Pregabalin
- Propizepine
- Protriptyline
- Prulifloxacin
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Ranolazine
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Revefenacin
- Ribociclib
- Rufloxacin
- Scopolamine
- Secretin Human
- Selpercatinib
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Sibutramine
- Siponimod
- Sodium Oxybate
- Sodium Phosphate
- Solifenacin
- Sotalol
- Sufentanil
- Sulpiride
- Sunitinib
- Tacrolimus
- Tapentadol
- Telithromycin
- Tetrabenazine
- Tianeptine
- Tiotropium
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Triclabendazole
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Vandetanib
- Vemurafenib
- Venlafaxine
- Verapamil
- Vilazodone
- Vinflunine
- Voclosporin
- Voriconazole
- Vortioxetine
- Zolpidem
- Zuclopenthixol
How much does Cyclobenzaprine cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Cyclobenzaprine (generic)
$8.06
Cyclobenzaprine contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Cyclobenzaprine will not be safe for you to take.
- Currently take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days
- Recently had a heart attack
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias) or heart block
- Heart failure
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
What are alternatives to Cyclobenzaprine?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cyclobenzaprine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Cyclobenzaprine
7 Cyclobenzaprine Side Effects You Should Know About
Drowsiness, dry mouth, and headache are common side effects of cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). See more side effects and learn how to manage them here.
Baclofen vs. Flexeril for Muscle Spasms: Uses, Side Effects, Cost, and More
Two common muscle relaxer medications are baclofen and Flexeril. Here, we’ll compare the two on effectiveness, side effects, interactions, and more.
Robaxin vs. Flexeril: 5 Differences Between These Muscle Relaxers to Consider
Learn about the differences between Robaxin (methocarbamol) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) for muscle pain.
Which Pain Reliever Is Best for Back Pain?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce back pain.
6 Cyclobenzaprine Interactions You Should Know About
See a list of common cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) interactions, including alcohol, tramadol, gabapentin, and more.
8 Muscle Relaxer Side Effects: Drowsiness, Dry Mouth, and More
Read on for the eight muscle relaxer side effects to know, from the common to rare, and when to reach out to your healthcare team for further guidance.
Cyclobenzaprine Dosages For Adults: Your GoodRx Guide
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that treats spasms, pain and stiffness. Follow our Cyclobenzaprine max daily dosage guide.
A Complete Guide to Fibromyalgia Treatment
Fibromyalgia treatment can help reduce symptoms, such as pain, migraines, and sensitivity to touch. Learn about the top fibromyalgia treatments, from medications to natural remedies.
Can I Take Muscle Relaxer Medications While I’m Pregnant?
Can you take medications like cyclobenzaprine while pregnant? Review which muscle relaxers are safe during pregnancy and learn to manage muscle spasms at every stage.
Cyclobenzaprine images
