Flexeril

Flexeril is a muscle relaxant. It works by stopping nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain. Flexeril is used to treat pain, tenderness, and limited motion caused by muscle spasms. This medicine is used together with rest and physical therapy for short-term treatment (2 to 3 weeks). Do not use Flexeril if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can happen if you take Flexeril before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can add to some of the side effects of this drug. Flexeril can cause side effects that may damage your thinking or reactions. Do not use this medication if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have history of heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure, heart block or an overactive thyroid. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible.



Only your doctor can decide if it is safe for you to continue taking Flexeril. Flexeril is not a substitute for the physical therapy, rest, or exercise that your doctor orders for proper healing. Although Flexeril relieves the pain of strains and sprains, it is not useful for other types of pain. There may be other drugs that can intermingle with Flexeril. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs suggested by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. This drug is usually taken three times each day for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Do not use Flexeril for longer than 3 weeks unless your doctor asks you to do so. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next frequently scheduled time. Do not take additional medicine to make up the missed dose. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Flexeril can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, fast heartbeat, tremors or trembling, slurred speech, puzzlement, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations (seeing things), chest pain, or seizure (convulsions). This medication relaxes muscles. It is used along with rest and physical therapy to reduce muscle pain and spasms related to strains, sprains or other muscle injuries. This medication is deliberated for short-term use, usually no longer than 3 weeks, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your condition does not improve in 2-3 weeks, contact your doctor.