Flexeril is only approved for short‑term use (2–3 weeks) because muscle spasms from acute injuries typically resolve quickly and no evidence supports long‑term benefit.
• All clinical trials of cyclobenzaprine lasted ≤14 days. There are no high‑quality studies showing benefit beyond that.

For chronic conditions like stubborn hip bursitis, Flexeril does not treat the underlying inflammation. It may help with nighttime muscle tension, but it is not a disease‑modifying therapy.

Risks of taking Flexeril nightly for months

1. Sedation & cognitive slowing

Over 30% of patients experience significant drowsiness. This can impair driving, balance, and next‑day alertness. droracle.ai

2. Anticholinergic effects

Long‑term use increases risk of:

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Confusion or memory issues
These risks are well‑documented and increase with age.

3. Withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly

After months of nightly use, stopping suddenly can cause:

• Malaise
• Headache
• Nausea
These typically last 2–4 days. A 2–3 week taper is recommended.

4. Drug interactions

Flexeril interacts with many CNS‑acting medications and should never be combined with MAOIs due to serotonin syndrome risk.