• Basic Info
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• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

CYCLOBENZAPRINE (sye kloe BEN za preen) is a muscle relaxer. It is used to treat muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease
• irregular heartbeat
• liver disease
• past heart attack
• thyroid problem
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclobenzaprine, tricyclic antidepressants, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• droperidol
• flecainide
• grepafloxacin
• halofantrine
• levomethadyl
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• nilotinib
• pimozide
• probucol
• sertindole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• abarelix
• alcohol
• contrast dyes
• dolasetron
• guanethidine
• medicines for cancer
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines to treat an irregular heartbeat
• medicines used for sleep or numbness during surgery or procedure
• methadone
• octreotide
• ondansetron
• palonosetron
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• some medicines for infection like alfuzosin, chloroquine, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, mefloquine, pentamidine, troleandomycin
• tramadol
• vardenafil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on hard candy may help.

Last Updated: April 06, 2009