Info on Flexeril / cyclobenzaprine? helpful hints?

Posted by annewoodmayo @annewoodmayo, May 23 11:33am

Hello, friends!
New doctor started me on Flexeril / cyclobenzaprine. 5 mg 3x/daily for back pain / arthritis-autoimmune.

What do you all think that I, as a new patient to this med, need to know about it?

I haven't been taking it that way. So far, few side effects.
I'm wondering if I should be taking this all the time, or just when I feel like it would help.
I've been dealing with pain for 30+ years and pretty much have gotten out of the habit of taking pain meds routinely because of allergies, etc. Mostly used topical treatments for a little relief, and rarely "big guns" when excruciating.

THANK YOU

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | May 26 10:48am

In reply to @pb50 "@fncz have you considered taking half?" + (show)

@fncz and @pb50 this tiny 5 mg pill should not be broken in half making it unsafe to take. It has a coating on it so is dissolves in the correct GI location. Also, side effects of cyclobenzaprine include drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, and constipation.

pb50 | @pb50 | May 26 1:03pm

In reply to @jenatsky "@fncz and @pb50 this tiny 5 mg pill should not be broken in half making it..." + (show)

Good to know.

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | May 28 6:14am

In reply to @pb50 "I’ve taken flexoril since that was the name - decades ago. Seems it is relabeled now,..." + (show)

Hi, pb50!
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
What does "PRN" mean?
Anne

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | May 28 6:19am

In reply to @jenatsky "@fncz and @pb50 this tiny 5 mg pill should not be broken in half making it..." + (show)

Hi, @jenatsky !

I started this discussion thread...Should I take this med on a schedule or take it on an "as needed" basis?

15 years ago, after gall bladder removal surgery, they told me to take pain meds on a schedule and not to wait for "as needed." But that was for post-op.

Thanks for your help!
Anne

annewoodmayo | @annewoodmayo | May 28 6:20am

To everyone who has replied:
Thanks for taking the time to add your advice!
Anne Wood

pb50 | @pb50 | May 28 7:31am

In reply to @annewoodmayo "Hi, pb50! Thank you for taking the time to reply. What does "PRN" mean? Anne" + (show)

As needed
PRN is an acronym for the Latin term “pro re nata,” which means “as the situation demands,” or simply, “as needed.”

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Jun 2 7:13am

@jhero FYI Flexeril relieves local skeletal muscle spasm, similar to Valium. It has no effect on the nervous system.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Jun 2 7:15am

In reply to @annewoodmayo "Hi, @jenatsky ! I started this discussion thread...Should I take this med on a schedule or..." + (show)

@annewoodmayo you can take Flexeril on an as needed bases. If you’re an older person it would not be in your best interest to take Flexeril on a regular bases. It can cause negative long term effects.